Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council

Review of fair access to care services

The Council's Health Select Committee has undertaken an 18-month review of adult social care services.  The Committee considered making changes to how the Council provides adult care and the review included a wide-ranging consultation during the summer.  

The Committee has produced a final report and this was considered by Cabinet on 25 November 2010 in order for a final decision to be made.    

Cabinet has agreed the recommendation to change the eligibility criteria for adult social care. This means that from 1 April 2011, it is only those people who are assessed as having Substantial or Critical needs who will receive care services.  

Any people whose needs are not assessed as Substantial or Critical will be offered advice and information on where to receive support and access other community services such as voluntary organisations, carer groups, lunch and friendship clubs.

As part of the review the Council would like to re-invest some funding in a range of community services but this will depend on the resources available in the current economic climate.    
    
This decision has been taken because:

• People are living longer and there will be more people who need care and support in the future
  
• We need to target our resources on those with the most severe and complex needs
  
• This may also allow us to support community services that are available for all in the community, and targeted services aimed at those who may need additional help. We would adopt a preventative approach in order to promote independence and enable people to live in the community for longer.

You can read the Committee's report that was considered by Cabinet and find out more about the consultation results and what the changes will mean.

You may also be interested in the Department of Health's guidance on eligibility and the Fair access to care services booklet that was made available as part of the consultation.

If you have any issues regarding the services that you currently receive, please contact the First Contact Team.