Committee: SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS SELECT COMMITTEE
Date: 6 MARCH 2002
Title: NEGOTIATIONS WITH CARE PROVIDERS: UPDATE
REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND HOUSING
1. SUMMARY
This report confirms negotiations are beginning with care providers on the level of fee increase for services in 2002/03.
2.BACKGROUND
2.1Committee members are aware of the severe cost pressures being experienced by all care providers on the Island. These stem from the new Care Standards Act (2001), European Union directives on holidays and working hours, minimum wage levels and competition from other service sectors for staff.
2.2The Council has agreed to increase substantially the budget for Social Services and Housing for 2002/03, in acknowledgement of the urgency to address these and other cost pressures.
3.CURRENT POSITION
3.1Negotiations have either begun or are about to begin with a range of independent care providers on fee levels for 2002/03. These include Nursing Home Owners, Residential Care Home Owners (Older People), Residential Care Home Owners (Learning Disabilities and Mental Health), Specialist Providers and Home Care Agencies.
3.2Officers are working as fast as possible to give the industry representatives the information they need, but the situation is complex as there are many possible variations that need to be considered.
3.3Good progress has been made on agreeing the ?care elements? of the new contracts for Nursing Home Owners, Residential Care Home Owners, and Learning Disabilities Homes, which were the subject of some dispute last year and the new contract will shortly be issued.
4. RECOMMENDATIONS
To note the report
Contact Point: Charles Waddicor, ' 520600 ext 2225
C WADDICOR
Strategic Director of Social Services and Housing