Decision details

Care fees are reviewed annually as part of the budget setting process to reflect inflationary pressures in line with the Care Act 2014 'Support Statutory Guidance' which specifically requires Local Authorities to:
Reflect a fair cost of care in fee setting and not to set arbitrary or unsustainable fees.
Enable providers to pay at least the national minimum/living wage
Understand the business environment and risks faced by providers.

To increase the provider care fees as set out in the table as attached.

The option to not increase the fees was considered but was not recommended due to true increasing provider costs being recognised.
Recommended option is to inflate the fees based on the benchmark work carried out in January and February 2017 and inflated to take account of the National living wage, and CPI inflation.