Agenda and draft minutes

There were no declarations of personal interest.

RESOLVED that the decision record of the meeting held on the 24th June, 2024 be signed as a correct record.

The Cabinet Member considered a report on proposals to increase the Council’s Non-Residential charges for 2024/25 in line with increased costs and inflation.

It was noted that as the Welsh Government had set a financial cap of £100 charge for non- residential care there would be little benefit in increasing charges beyond inflation. However, although inflation would only return a minimal increase in income for the authority, it was essential charges were increased to reflect inflationary costs.

In noting that the figures shown in the report for the next year were based on existing Welsh Governments announcements and that there was no indication that a change would occur beyond 2025-26, further increases to the charges may be necessary should the Welsh Government amend the charging rules.

Furthermore, the additional income accrued would depend entirely on the ability to pay for the individuals requiring care, the Cabinet Member felt strongly that the Welsh Government needed to further review the financial cap.

RESOLVED that:

3.1      Carmarthenshire increase its Non-Residential charges for hourly charged services by inflation from £22.00 to £23.85 (%) and sessional charges from £19.55 to £23.85 (10%). This will attempt to recover as much revenue as possible within the rules set down by Welsh Government for 2025-26, and to align rates with other local authorities in Wales, and to move closer to regional Local Authorities.

3.2      That Carmarthenshire introduces the fees as per the new Charging policy appended to the report.