The Care Act 2015

Seven years in the making, the new Care Act came in to place on the 1st April this year, with the intention of creating a clearer, fairer system of care, putting people in control of the way they are supported.

The Care Act means that local authorities now have increased responsibility for those who require care in their area. They have to carry out assessments for those who request them and provide a personalised budget. The focus of the new legislation is very much on the individual and making sure that disabled people have control over their lives and the support they get.

The main points of the new Care Act are:

• Wellbeing. The main focus of the Act is the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of those who need social care support, with personalisation and individual budgets at the centre.
• Accessing information.  Local authorities now have a duty to provide an  information and advice  service to anyone applying for, or who already receives care.
• The right to an assessment.  Disabled people and carers have the right to be assessed for support, whatever their personal or financial  circumstances. There’s a new set of  minimum criteria that  indicates when local authorities have to provide support. 
• A personalised plan. If you qualify for care, local authorities legally have to provide you with a personalised care plan to achieve agreed outcomes, detailing the costs involved.
• Payment. Authorities have to carry out a financial assessment to see whether or not you have to contribute towards the cost of your care.
• Advocacy. People with communication or learning difficulties are now entitled to be represented by an independent advocate.
• Tougher Criteria. Care providers will now be subject to tougher guidelines and the consequences will be stricter for those who aren’t meeting the mark.
• More help for carers. Under the Act carers have increased rights. Also, an amendment to the Children and Families Act 2014 means that those looking after a disabled child under the age of 18 are now entitled to support too.

Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust opens office in Chester Cheshire and Warrington Carers Trust (formerly Cheshire Carers Centre) have recently opened a new office in the new charity hub in Chester City Centre. Based in The Bluecoat School on Upper Northgate Street, they now have a team of 6 working in their newly refurbished offices. The new offices will enable carers to drop in for information, advice and support, and make appointments for benefits advice or Personal Budgets.

The office can be reached on 01244 400502 or via email westcheshire@ cheshirecarerscentre.org.uk
For advice in Cheshire East contact The Care Act Helpline T 01260 288 353 www.adviceCE.org.uk 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday

To find out how the Care Act will affect your care package contact your local authority.