Disability Related Expenditure (DRE) Consultation

Closed 12 Apr 2016

Opened 19 Jan 2016

Contact

Yasmin Mataria-Jenkins

Adult Social Care

0116 454 4400

dreconsultation@leicester.gov.uk

Feedback updated 30 Nov 2016

We asked

We were considering the possibility of changing the financial assessment for people who live at home (not in a residential care home or nursing home). In particular, we asked for views on proposed changes to the way we work out Disability Related Expenditure (DRE). This is the extra expense people have each week because of a disability.

You said

Completed questionnaires
A total of 641 questionnaires were completed and returned, which represents a
response rate of over 20%
 
Proposal 1- reduce the standard amount of DRE
Nearly half (48%) of those who responded to this question disagreed with the
proposal. A quarter (25%) agreed with the proposals. A further quarter (26%)
did not have a view. This showed a fairly strong disagreement towards this
proposal.
 
Proposal 2- disallow items which should be provided by the NHS
Marginally more people agreed with the proposal (41%) than disagreed (37%),
with the remaining 22% not having a view. This suggests a fairly even split in
opinion.
 
Proposal 3-  disallow items which are in excess of those deemed
necessary to meet eligible care needs
More people disagreed with this proposal (43%) than agreed to it (32%), with
the remaining 25% not having a view or not answering the question.
 
Impact of a £10 increase to the weekly charge
Half of people (50%) responded that an increase of £10 to their weekly charge
would affect them a lot, including how much they have for essential things. A
further 9% of respondents indicated that they would consider stopping the Adult
Social Care services they receive. 13% would be able to manage the increase,
with 19% being affected a little (including how much they have for ‘extras and treats’). 11% of people did not answer this question.

 

We did

The Deputy City Mayor, Lead for Adult Social Care has considered the findings of the consultation and decided not to change the current arrangements.
 
The council will therefore continue to allow the following towards disability related costs:
 
A minimum of £20 a week for a single person
A minimum of £15 a week if you are one of a couple
No changes to the list of items which count as disability related expenditure.
 
However, due to central government funding cuts, this may need to be looked at again in the future.
 
Thank you to everyone who gave their views on the consultation.
 

Results updated 27 Sep 2016

Files:

Overview

The council is thinking of changing the financial assessment for people who live at home (not in a residential care home or nursing home).

In particular, the council is proposing to change the way it works out Disability Related Expenditure (DRE). This is the extra expense people have each week because of a disability.

Everyone who is eligible for adult social care has a financial assessment. This is a means test to work out if people have to pay towards the cost of their care and if so how much they should pay. 

The rules on this are in the council’s Charging Policy. A copy is also attached below.

The proposed changes

The council is proposing to change two things:

1. The council want to reduce the set amount allowed for Disability Related Expenditure (DRE) to a minimum of £10 per week per person. At the moment, the council allows a minimum of £20 per week for a single person and a minimum of £15 per week for one of a married couple towards Disability Related Expenses.   

Where people show the council that they spend more than this, a higher amount would be allowed. 

2. The council is proposing to change the list of expenses that count as Disability Related Expenditure. The council wants to take items off the list which are already provided by the NHS and items that are provided as part of a person's adult social care support package.

The council will always consider other items that a person tells them they need because of a disability.

Who may be affected

This may affect adults who live at home and are eligible for help from adult social care due to their care needs.

Further information

Further information about this consultation is given on the information sheet attached below.  It explains the changes in more detail. 

Please read this information sheet before filling in this questionnaire.

Helpline

If you want to talk to someone about the questionnaire or you would like it in a different format please call our helpline on telephone number 0116 454 4400.

Other ways to have your say

If you have received a letter and a questionnaire you can complete it and return it in the pre-paid envelope provided.

There is also an easy read questionnaire attached below, which you can download, complete and return to Disability Related Expenses Consultation, Bosworth House, 1st floor, Leicester City Council, 1 Grey Friars, Leicester, LE1 5PH.

There were three consultation meetings held on 30 January, 1 February and 2 February 2016. Details of the meetings are given on this page.  These meetings have been held and the notes of these meetings are attached below. 

You can also email the consultation team at dreconsultation@leicester.gov.uk.

 

Thank you

Why your views matter

The council would like to hear views from people who may be affected by these changes.

No changes can be made until the City Mayor and his Executive Team have considered all the findings from the consultation.

 

 

 

What happens next

The City Mayor and his Executive team will consider the findings from the consultation before making a decision on whether to introduce this change.

Reports will be published on this website after they have been approved at Adult Social Care Scrutiny on 12 July 2016.

Events

  • From 30 Jan 2016 at 11:00 to 30 Jan 2016 at 12:30

    Friends Meeting House
    16 Queens Road Leicester
    LE2 1WP
    This meeting has taken place and notes are attached to the bottom of the main consultation page headed overview (click back arrow to return to that page).

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)
  • From 1 Feb 2016 at 12:30 to 1 Feb 2016 at 14:00

    Leicester Town Hall (Council Chamber)
    Town Hall Square
    Leicester
    LE4 6LF
    This meeting has taken place and notes are attached to the bottom of the main consultation page headed overview (click back arrow to return to that page).

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)
  • From 2 Feb 2016 at 18:00 to 2 Feb 2016 at 19:30

    Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre
    Rothley Street
    Leicester
    LE4 6LF
    This meeting has taken place and notes are attached to the bottom of the main consultation page headed overview (click back arrow to return to that page).

    Add to my Calendar (.ics)

Areas

  • Abbey
  • Aylestone
  • Beaumont Leys
  • Belgrave
  • Braunstone Park & Rowley Fields
  • Castle
  • Evington
  • Eyres Monsell
  • Fosse
  • Humberstone & Hamilton
  • Knighton
  • Rushey Mead
  • Saffron
  • Spinney Hills
  • Stoneygate
  • Thurncourt
  • Westcotes

Audiences

  • Working-age people
  • Older people
  • Carers
  • Full-time and part-time workers
  • Disabled people
  • Gypsy and Traveller community
  • Faith groups
  • Carers' network
  • Voluntary organisations
  • Community organisations
  • Self-help groups
  • User groups
  • Third sector infrastructure groups
  • All Voluntary and Community Organisations
  • Advocacy organisation
  • Drug and Alcohol services
  • Health services
  • NHS
  • All Public and Private Organisations
  • Service providers
  • Partner agencies
  • Service users

Interests

  • Adult social care