A consultation is being launched today (Tuesday August 2) on the Housing with Extra Care Charging Policy.
The consultation will run until 5 September 2022.
Copies of the policy can be read here https://cne-siar.gov.uk/have-your-say/consultations/2022/extra-care where comments can be submitted.
An online consultation is also taking place on 23rd August 2022 at 7pm and an invitation is extended to individuals and organisations to submit comments on the draft Housing with Extra Care Service Provision Summary and Charging Policy for an online event that evening. Please register for the event here: https://tinyurl.com/26nsc3c6
If you are unable to join on 23 August you can e-mail your comments on the policy to
Copies of the policy can be posted out on request by phoning the Health and Social Care Department on 01851 822708.
Hard copies of the draft policy are also available at all Comhairle offices.
OVERVIEW
The Integration Joint Board in Partnership with the Comhairle and the Hebridean Housing Partnership have developed Housing with Extra Care. This consists of individual tenancies in purpose built accommodation designed to meet the assessed care needs of adults requiring additional social care support. It combines independent housing with flexible levels of care and support.
Services provided on site include support with personal care; assistance with medication management; emotional support; assistance with accessing other services; maintaining a safe and secure living environment and 24 hour staff availability.
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) produces guidance on the principles that underpin local authority charging policies for social care services. As a result, the Comhairle reviews its policies in line with COSLA guidance as necessary. As Housing with Extra Care is a new model of care in the Western Isles, the Comhairle must consider and calculate how service users are charged for the cost of their care and support within a Housing with Extra Care environment.
WHY WE ARE CONSULTING?
Personal care is free in Scotland; however, some aspects of social care are chargeable. We are taking a fair and consistent approach to charging for Housing with Extra Care. The amount of financial support a person may get towards the chargeable aspects of their social care is based on each individual's circumstances. The Comhairle will carry out a financial assessment to assess an individual's ability to pay.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Comments received will be reviewed and considered in the final drafting of the Housing with Extra Care Service Provision Summary and Charging Policy and the associated Impact Assessment. The final draft of the policy will then be considered by the Integration Joint Board Corporate Management Team and the Policy and Resources Committee of the Comhairle.