Since the introduction of a free telecare service, expenditure has been increasing at a rate of c.£1m each year, and with the introduction of more costly digital solutions, this annual demand pressure will continue to rise. The current annual cost of the telecare service is £5.4m per annum.
There is evidence that service users have opted to take up the service, in part because it is free, and not always because it significantly addresses their care needs or serves a genuinely preventative function. This has been reported in a range of anecdotal feedback from staff, and reaffirmed in the responses received from the public consultation which took place between 18 July and 8 August 2022.
The introduction of telecare charges will support the continuation and development of the service at a sustainable level and allow the county council to afford and embrace the full benefits offered by the transition from analogue to digital, for years to come. At present the county council is an outlier in terms of offering a completely free service.
This is deemed to be a Key Decision and the provisions of Standing Order C19 have been complied with.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or Savings > £1,800,000;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Divisions affected: (All Divisions);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 10/08/2022
Anticipated restriction: Part I -
Decision due: 8 Sep 2022 by Cabinet
Decision due: 22 Sep 2022 by Scrutiny Management Board
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care
Lead director: Director of Corporate Services
Contact: Deborah Gent Email: Deborah.Gent@lancashire.gov.uk Samantha Parker Email: sam.parker@lancashire.gov.uk Tel: 01772538221.