Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor Clifford be appointed as Chair.

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests reported.

RESOLVED that under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and the public be excluded from the meeting for the items of business indicated in Minute 5 below, relating to "Appeal – Community Services – Care Service Contribution ", on the grounds that these items involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A of that Act, in particular Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Part 1 of that Schedule.

There were no further items of public business.

To hear a number of appeals against Care Service Contributions. 

The Panel considered an appeal by Mrs M against an assessment of charges for her care package contribution.  They received written and oral representations from the Appellant and her representative explaining the grounds for the appeal.  The Panel also considered written and oral representations from the Resources Directorate explaining the assessment and calculation of the care package charge. 

The Panel considered the Appellant’s Support, Person Centred and Management Plans with her permission.

The Panel noted the increase in the assessed charge had arisen as a consequence of the decrease in the disability related expenses that had been incurred.  They considered the representations that were made about the additional costs incurred in respect of carers.

RESOLVED that: -

1)  Having considered the representations made and given careful consideration to the totality of the financial circumstances of the appellant, the Panel felt it was reasonably practical to expect the appellant to pay the weekly service charge as assessed. 

The Panel did not feel that the additional costs should be allowed as disability related expenses as it was not an essential part of the support plan.  The Panel’s view was that even taking into account the expenses incurred, the remaining income is such that it is reasonably practical to pay the weekly service charge as assessed.

2)  The Panel would encourage a claim for additional allowance in respect of the mileage claims and suggested a further discussion with the financial assessment team.

There were no further items of private business.