Liverpool adult social care under review

Liverpool City Council has extended the consultation period for its review of eligibility criteria for adult social care.

Under the proposals, people with moderate needs will not be eligible for funding and where people do need help, the emphasis will be on reablement services – short term assistance to get them back to a level where they don’t need ongoing support.

If the proposals are agreed by the council’s cabinet, around 1,400 people who currently receive moderate social care support will be reviewed by a social worker before any decision is made over what happens to their current support package.

In some cases, people will move up into the substantial category, while others will be judged not to require support any more because they have regained their independence.

The council says that those who are no longer eligible for support would be given information and help to find alternative support and, in some cases, help to get additional benefits to pay for it.

Councillor Roz Gladden, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “I fully understand and appreciate that people will be concerned and apprehensive about how the proposed removal of the moderate care band could affect them.

“The proposal to remove the moderate care banding will enable us to continue directing support at those who are most in need.

“We will also be investing in prevention to help people avoid entering the care system, and helping people regain independence after illness or an operation.

“We are keen to hear people’s views and make sure we provide as much information and support as possible, which is why we have extended the consultation.”

Meetings have been held with staff, providers, users of services and families/carers since March and the consultation period has now been extended until Friday 29 July in order to provide more people with the opportunity to have their say and review the feedback received so far.

Further consultation meetings are being held at LACE Conference Centre, Croxteth Drive, Sefton Park from 1pm to 2.30pm on Monday 25 July and Thursday 28 July and at Devonshire House Hotel, Edge Lane from 10.30am to 12noon and 1pm to 2.30pm on Friday 29 July.

People wanting to attend should contact the Liverpool Cares Team at adultservicesconsultation@liverpool.gov.uk, or call 0151 233 4640 / 2819 / 4644.

They can also complete the survey at www.liverpool.gov.uk/consultation, or request a copy of the document by calling the above telephone numbers.

All feedback will be fed into a report to the council’s cabinet, which will make a final decision later this year.