Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that Councillor Harvard be appointed as Chair for this meeting.

There were no disclosable pecuniary interest.

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 Minutes 6 and 7 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 other items of public business.

To hear a number of appeals against Care Service Contributions. 

The Committee and appellants received a report which set out the procedure to be followed during the consideration of the appeals submitted.

RESOLVED that the procedure for the appeals be noted.

The Committee considered an appeal by Mr C on behalf of Mrs C against an assessment of charges for her care package contribution.  The Committee were advised that the appellants were unable to attend the meeting and had requested that the appeal be considered in their absence.  The Committee received written representations from the Appellant explaining the grounds for the appeal and written and oral representations from the People Directorate explaining the assessment and calculation of the care package charge.

Following a point of clarification raised by the Panel in relation to the allowance provided in respect of housing needs, Mr Mitchell reassured the Panel that he believed the allowance shown represented a half share of the mortgage payment but indicated he would check that figure and ensure that the correct allowance was being provided.

RESOLVED that, having considered the representations made and given careful consideration to the totality of the financial circumstances of the appellant, the Committee felt it was reasonably practicable to expect the appellant to pay the weekly service charge as assessed.

The Committee considered an appeal by Mr P, who was supported by Mr O, against an assessment of charges for his care package contribution. They received written and oral representations from the Appellant and his representative explaining the grounds for the appeal and written and oral representations from the People Directorate explaining the assessment and calculation of the care package charge.

RESOLVED that:-

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

2)  A financial reassessment be recommended to ensure that all Disability Related Expenditure is taken into account.

3)  The appellant be recommended to seek assistance from an appropriate organisation in relation to his debt management.

4)  The existing debt to the Council in respect of care charges remain as the appellant had chosen not to make a contribution towards these charges whilst an appeal was lodged.

There were no other items of private business.