Care Cap delayed

20 Jul 2015

The Department of Health has announced that the phase two implementation of the Care Act (2014) will be postponed until 2020.

This decision has been made as a result of the responses by local authorities to the consultation earlier this year.

What Has Been Postponed:

The introduction of a Cap on the amount anyone will have to pay for care, which was to be £72,000 for eligible care needs in 2016
Significant increases to the upper capital limit (the maximum amount of capital individuals can have to be eligible for financial support from Local Authorities)
The duty on Local Authorities to arrange care for self funding customers in care homes
The introduction of a new appeals process for adult social care.

What Remains in Effect

Carers' right to an assessment
Deferred Payment Agreements
Duty to Prevent, Reduce and Delay social care needs arising for everyone living in the community
Commitment to focus on health and social care integration through the better care fund
Duty to support prisoners who have eligible care needs
Statutory Safeguarding Board
Market management role for commissioners
Council and CCG responsibility to offer Personal Budgets for those in receipt of ongoing health and social care support
Duty to arrange care services for people who want care at home, including when requested by self funders

What this means for Wiltshire Council

The decision ends uncertainty on the financial impact of the proposals in April 2016 and possible effects on the local care market.

The Council will now focus on the following:

Further Information

The new information and advice website shows what Wiltshire Council is doing to implement the Care Act: www.yourcareyoursupportwiltshire

Carers can visit the portal or contact Carers Support Wiltshire on 01380 871690

The full letter from the Minister for Community and Social Care can be read here.