Item 08 - Charging Policy for Non-Residential Care Services 2026-2027
West Dunbartonshire Council · 4 March 2026
Back to West Dunbartonshire Council — 4 March 2026 and its agenda
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WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL Report by Chief Officer - Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Council: 4 March 2026 Subject: Charging Policy for Non-Residential Care Services 2026/2027 1. Purpose 1.1 To present the proposed changes to West Dunbartonshire Council’s Charging Policy for Non-Residential Care Services 2026/2027 for consideration and approval. 2. Recommendations 2.1 It is recommended that Council: Approve or note as detailed below the following amendments to the 2026/2027 Charging Policy for Non-Residential Care Services after consideration of the latest COSLA guidance, review of current charges, and options to introduce new charges: i. Note the planned improvements to introduce a streamlined financial assessment process. ii. Endorse the use of Direct Debit as the preferred method to pay invoices for charges levied. iii. Approve the introduction of a £50 fixed charge for the supply and installation of key safes, reflecting the full cost of delivering the service based on recent activity. iv. Approve increasing fixed charges for the following non-statutory services by more than the 5% already approved within the Council’s 2026/27 Revenue Budget. Options are included within Appendix 3 and detailed below are recommendations on reasonable increases that provide a prudent and manageable step towards reducing current subsidies. o Older People Day Services, excluding transport and meals - £15.60 per day; o Learning Disability Day Services, excluding transport and meals - £35 per day; and o Digital Community Alarms plus allowance for telecare peripherals - £10.18 per week. 3. Background 3.1 Levying charges for non-residential social care services, such as non-personal care and social support is common practice across Councils and forms part of the delegated budget to the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Board. While the income derived from charging forms part of the delegated net budget, the legal authority to levy and set charges remains with the local authority. 3.2 Since the introduction of the Community Care & Health (Scotland) Act 2002, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) has produced annual ITEM 8
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guidance which defines a set of principles to underpin the development of local charging policies for social care support for people at home. 3.3 The levying of non-residential charges was addressed within “The Independent Review of Adult Social Care” report (IRASC) published in February 2021. In March 2021, the Scottish Government and COSLA published a Joint Statement of Intent on how they would work together to deliver on the IRASC recommendations. This included agreement on: “an end to charging for non-residential services as soon as possible”. 3.4 While the abolition of charges remains a joint intent, there is no clear timeline for this. Locally, a review of non-statutory services charges must be considered as an option to partially reduce projected budgetary pressures and the revised policy changes recommended for approval in section 2.1 above, reflect this as well as remaining consistent with COSLA guidance. 3.5 The current Charging Policy was approved by Council on the 5th March 2025. At this time the Council agreed to implement thresholds of income based on age, retain the maximum weekly charge, also applicable to those in receipt of Independent Living Fund. These decisions reflected stakeholder feedback after extensive consultation with service users, carers and the public, modelled on the Planning with People Guidance. 3.6 Consultation discussions noted the rising cost of delivering services relative to current charging levels. Given the financial challenges ahead, it was accepted that the Council must consider all viable measures to sustain services, including reviewing charges to ensure they more accurately reflect the true cost of provision. 3.7 No additional consultation or stakeholder engagement has been undertaken at this stage. While consultation on changes to charges is not explicitly required under the Planning with People guidance, it may nonetheless be necessary where proposed changes are sufficiently significant to affect access to a service or alter its level, nature, or availability. In such circumstances, the change could reasonably be interpreted as a service alteration, thereby triggering the requirement for proportionate engagement. 3.8 A high-level review of the Charging Policy for 2026/2027 was undertaken by HSCP officers examined the potential for full cost recovery in relation to day services and community alarms. This work considered approaches adopted by other local authorities that have implemented full cost recovery as a means of increasing income for social care services. Information on the impact of these decisions could not be obtained at this time. 3.9 In this current financial year (2025/26) the HSCP Board is projecting an overspend of £2.7m on social care services as at period 8, driven mainly by rising demand and inflationary pressures that are not fully funded within flat-cash settlements. A contributory factor is the under-recovery of non-residential charges, forecast in 2025/26 at £0.058m against a budget of £1.207m. Fixed charges (day centres, community alarms): £0.038m shortfall (budget £0.883m)
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Means-tested support charges: £0.020m shortfall (budget £0.374m) 3.10 The financial pressure facing the HSCP is expected to continue into 2026/27. The HSCP Board considered an updated report on the projected budget gap at its meeting on 27 January, as summarised in the extract below. The Board will be required to agree a programme of savings on 24 March in order to close this gap. Given the scale of the challenge, the required savings would have a direct and unavoidable impact on social care services, including reductions in staffing and in commissioned service provision. Increasing income through charging represents one of the few options available to offset part of the projected funding gap and could therefore reduce the extent of service reductions that would otherwise be necessary. Extract from information presented to 27 January 2026 HSCP Board Health Care Social Care Total HSCP £000 £000 £000 Budget Gap reported January 2026 388 11,848 12,236 Superannuation Reserve 0 (3,084) (3,084) Revised Gap 388 8,764 9,152 Assumed Share of 25/26 Pay Funding 0 (475) (475) Assumed Share of 26/27 Pay Funding 0 (238) (238) Revised Gap as at January 2026 388 8,051 8,439 3.11 The proposed changes to the Charging Policy are intended to partially mitigate this budget gap by strengthening financial assessment processes, improving income recovery, and ensuring that charges more accurately reflect the actual cost of delivering community-based services. These services play a critical role in supporting the independence of individuals with disabilities or other vulnerabilities to remain safely within their own homes, and aligning charges with the true cost of provision will help sustain these supports within the current financial context. 3.12 There is a risk that increasing charges beyond the annual inflation uplift could result in service users seeking alternative means of support to meet their agreed outcomes thus risking the future viability of in-house building-based services. 3.13 If a service user support encompasses both fixed and means tested charges increasing fixed charges could have a negative impact on the income generated from means tested charges as the financial assessment considers fixed charges as deductible expense. 3.14 The 2026/27 revised Charging Policy continues to comply with COSLA’s latest guidance. The West Dunbartonshire Council’s Charging Policy’s main aims are to: a) Provide a consistent, fair and transparent framework for charging; b) Recover appropriate costs of service provision; c) Maintain essential services; and d) Maximise the income of service users and their carers.
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4. Main Issues 4.1 The Council retains statutory responsibility for the setting and application of social care charges. Consequently, any substantive changes to the Charging Policy, other than routine annual updates to thresholds and inflationary uplifts, must be submitted to Council for formal approval. Financial Assessment Process 4.2 A financial assessment is required for all service users receiving a means tested non-residential service, including social support, practical support, and Housing and Community Supported Living. This assessment is completed by a Social Worker during the My Life Assessment process and requires the service user and, where applicable, their partner to provide evidence of capital and income, such as bank statements and benefit award letters. The process can feel intrusive and may affect the relationship between the Social Worker and the service user. Annual re- assessment is required, meaning the service user must resubmit the same information each year, which can be lengthy and administratively challenging. Where a service user does not provide the required documentation, they will be charged the maximum contribution under the current policy. 4.3 It is proposed that the HSCP adopt the same approach already used by some neighbouring authorities by making full use of other government agencies systems access. A small dedicated team, with authorised access to Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Social Security Scotland (SSS) information, would carry out financial assessments using verified details of a service user’s income and capital, and their partner’s where relevant. 4.4 Within the HSCP, the Care Contracts Team already uses these systems for residential care assessments, so this would build on established practice. Given the current profile of service users, only minimal capital checks are expected to be required, as the risk of non-disclosure is low and DWP/SSS information is considered reliable. 4.5 Internal Audit has been asked to review the proposed process to identify any control risks, and any necessary changes will be made based on their findings. 4.6 A redesign is currently underway within the HSCP to expand the remit of the Care Contracts Team into a wider Charging and Payments Team. This redesign includes a reduction of two administrative posts (from existing vacancies) across the teams in scope. Once established, the new Charging and Payments Team will be responsible for updating financial assessments on an annual basis. 4.7 This change not only reduces the burden on service users and their carers to provide this information but will allow the Charging and Payments team to carry out a financial assessment efficiently and reduce the administrative ask on Social Workers, to allow them to develop and review care plans that meet the outcomes of the service user. Direct Debit 4.8 Direct Debit is the Council’s preferred payment method to collect income, including
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rent, council tax and other fees. The Direct Debit guarantee offers protection to the payee and is more convenient than a Standing Order as annual charges can be uplifted automatically, removing the requirement for an individual to contact their bank to amend for a new charge and inadvertently fall behind. 4.9 The non-residential charging policy has never detailed the preferred method of paying an invoice. Currently, dependent on the service, the HSCP issues annual invoices and monthly invoices, with options to pay in one instalment, or by subscription, standing order or direct debit. Also service users in receipt of more than one chargeable service, may receive more than one invoice e.g. Community Alarm, Day Services, Housing Support etc. 4.10 By including Direct Debit as the preferred method of paying an invoice in the charging policy, it will provide a consistent message to service users on the most straightforward method to pay for ongoing services. The main advantage to a service user in receipt of multiple chargeable services is that the service user only needs to sign up to direct debit once, and their direct debit can be updated automatically to recoup the cost of services. The main advantage to the HSCP and the Council is that it should reduce the level of debt for these services. Key safes and installation 4.11 A key safe is installed when a HSCP service requires access to a service user’s home and the service user is unable to answer the door. The HSCP commission Lomond and Clyde Care & Repair Limited, a community-based organisation, to supply and install key safes. This organisation also provides advice and assistance to elderly and disabled tenants and homeowners for repairs and adaptation improvements. The HSCP provides Lomond and Clyde Care & Repair Limited with an annual grant of £0.186m, in addition to the costs of purchasing key safes installed. 4.12 It is common for a service user who has either a Community Alarm, receives Care at Home support with personal care, or is supported by other HSCP services, to have a key safe installed, to allow HSCP staff safe and reliable access to their home, and in 2024/25 over 700 key safes were installed by the organisation, within 48 hours of the request being made. 4.13 The supply and installation of key safes is a well-established and important component of providing safe and effective community health and social care services. However, in some other local authority areas this service is subject to a charge. A review of non-residential charging policies has been undertaken to determine how commonly charging for key safes are applied. Many of the policies didn’t list this as a service, making it unclear to determine if this service is offered and instead it is the choice and responsibility of the individual to install one. 4.14 Of the local authorities that did levy a charge the one-off fixed cost ranged from £75 in Scottish Borders to £120 in Stirling. 4.15 It is recommended that the Council consider introducing a one-off fixed charge to service users for the cost of the key safe and installation. Introducing a
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charge presents a potential risk that some individuals may decline to pay, which could result in key safes not being fitted where needed. This may limit safe and timely access for HSCP staff and increase risks both to service users and to services that require entry to the home. 4.16 Lomond and Clyde Care & Repair Ltd have provided high-level activity information for 2024/25 indicating that over 4,300 jobs were completed during the year. When this level of activity is considered against the annual grant, the cost equates to approximately £43 per job, with the purchase price of each key safe being just under £4. Taking these together, and accounting for the anticipated 6.7% Real Living Wage uplift in 2026/27, a charge of £50 would cover the full cost of the service. This proposed charge would be the lowest among local authorities that currently levy a fee, although it does not incorporate any adjustment for potential reductions in activity levels resulting from the introduction of charging. 4.17 Based on a similar number of installations of 700 for 2024/25, a £50 charge could generate £0.035m of new income. If Council agrees to introduce this charge an internal process will require to be developed to inform individuals or their representatives of the charge, seek their consent and issue an invoice timeously. Building Based Day Services 4.18 Older People’s Day Services support service users to reduce social isolation, maintain independence, and stay connected with their local community through a range of structured activities and opportunities to interact. 4.19 Similarly, Learning Disability day services provides structured daytime activities, skills development, social opportunities, and personalised assistance. These supports help individuals develop independent living skills, build confidence, and remain active within their community. 4.20 The Dumbarton Learning Disability Day Centre is equipped with a range of specialist equipment for those who require this, for example track hoists, physiotherapy profile beds, two sensory rooms and rebound therapy. There is also an accessible training kitchen. 4.21 While local authorities have a duty to assess need and support individuals to meet their assessed outcomes, there is no obligation on the Council, through the HSCP to provide these services in-house. While day care and telecare services may be considered non-statutory, the majority of Scottish local authorities provide these services via the HSCP or through a mixed delivery model. It is widely acknowledged that these services support individuals to maintain their independence, support unpaid carers and, reduce risks that may otherwise necessitate admission to long- term care. 4.22 Due to the increased budgetary pressures, many local authorities have explored, and a small number have implemented charges that cover “full cost recovery” of non-statutory services. At the time of writing there is no current information available on how implementation of “full cost” has impacted on demand for chargeable services and if individuals have withdrawn from services, has this had more costly implications for care needs.
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4.23 Using a combination of information drawn from COSLA’s Annual Charging Survey and local authority websites, current charging information for day care and telecare services is contained within Appendix 5. 4.24 Until 2019/20, service users attending in-house or externally commissioned older people’s and learning disability day centres paid a small fixed charge for transport and meals. Reflecting approaches adopted by several neighbouring authorities, it was identified that the predominant cost drivers for these services were the associated buildings and staffing. Accordingly, a consolidated Building-Based Day Opportunities Charge, encompassing transport, meals, and the core service, was approved through the 2019/20 budget setting process. 4.25 After a period of implementation and challenge by service users and their representatives, in March 2022 the Council agreed to disaggregate the Building Based Day Opportunities Charge into three component parts, i.e. transport, meals and day opportunity. The 2025/26 rates are below: Transport: Single journey - £2.30 Transport: Round Trip - £4.60 Meals - £3.70 Building Based Day Opportunity: £5.50 4.26 Currently the level of charges levied does not cover the full cost of delivering the service, which means in effect that these services are subsidised. Based on the current 2025/26 budgeted cost for in-house older people day centres at Crosslet and Queen’s Quay, and assuming 95% occupancy, the estimated charge for full cost recovery would be just under £86 per day, including transport and meals. If transport costs and meals are excluded the cost reduces to £52 per day. 4.27 The current meal charge of £3.70 already reflects full cost recovery. A further uplift beyond the Council approved 5% inflationary increase for 2026/27 is therefore unnecessary, and applying the 5% uplift alone is sufficient to maintain cost recovery. 4.28 Full cost recovery for transport would require a charge of approximately £30 per day based on current costs and capacity. However, the transport model is subject to ongoing review, and further work is required to ensure consistent application of the HSCP Assisted Transport Policy. In this context, it is recommended that the transport charge is limited to the Council approved 5% uplift at this stage. 4.29 A review of charges applied by other local authorities indicates scope for Council to consider an increase to the current Day Opportunities Charge for older people’s day services. Although published charges vary in structure, ranging from hourly to daily or weekly rates, and it is not always clear whether these include meals or transport (see Appendix 4), the comparative range suggests capacity for uplift. 4.30 A range of charging options, in excess of the 5% increase already approved by Council, to full cost recovery, are outlined in Appendix 3 for consideration. These options reflect current service capacity and average daily attendance. Analysis of charges across Scottish local authorities (Appendix 4) shows no consistent pattern that would support a benchmark for setting a reasonable increase. However,
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moving to full cost recovery at £52 per day would position West Dunbartonshire among the highest charging authorities. 4.31 A reasonable option would be to increase the charge to £15.60 per day. Setting the charge at this level would represent around 30% of the daily cost under a full cost recovery model and is projected to generate approximately £0.098m in additional annual income. This approach would retain West Dunbartonshire at the lower end of the charging range when compared with other Scottish local authorities (refer to Table 1 below), while providing a prudent and manageable step towards reducing the subsidy. Adopting this level of increase would also enable the service to monitor the impact of the increased charge on service uptake before any further adjustments are considered. Table 1: Proposed charge of £15.60 in comparison to other Local Authorities 4.32 Current charges for individuals with a learning disability attending the Dumbarton Centre mirror those set out in section 4.25 above. As part of Phase 2 of the Learning Disability Review, the provision of bus transport is being replaced by alternative arrangements in line with eligibility of individuals under the HSCP Assisted Transport Policy. Similar the exercise undertaken for older people’s day services, if transport is removed from the current running costs, the estimated charge for Dumbarton Centre under a full cost recovery model is £281 per day based on 95% occupancy and reflecting the enhanced staffing model required to support the level of service user disability. 4.33 A review of charges applied by other local authorities indicates scope for Council to consider an increase to the current Day Opportunities Charge for learning disability day services. Although published charges vary in structure, ranging from hourly to daily or weekly rates, and it is not always clear whether these include meals or transport (see Appendix 4), the comparative range suggests capacity for uplift. 4.34 A range of charging options, in excess of the 5% increase already approved by Council, to full cost recovery, are outlined in Appendix 3 for consideration. These options reflect current service capacity and average daily attendance. Analysis of charges across Scottish local authorities (Appendix 4) shows no consistent pattern
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that would support a benchmark for setting a reasonable increase. However, moving to full cost recovery at £281 per day would position West Dunbartonshire as the highest across all authorities. 4.35 A reasonable option would be to increase the charge to £35 per day. Setting the charge at this level would represent around 12.5% of the daily cost under a full cost recovery model and is projected to generate approximately £0.094m in additional annual income. This approach would retain West Dunbartonshire at the lower end of the charging range when compared with other Scottish local authorities (refer to Table 2 below), while providing a prudent and manageable step towards reducing the subsidy. Adopting this level of increase would also enable the service to monitor the impact of the increased charge on service uptake before any further adjustments are considered. Table 2: Proposed charge of £35 in comparison to other Local Authorities Digital Community Alarm and Telecare Services 4.36 A community alarm service is a 24/7 emergency response system designed to help people who may be vulnerable, unwell, disabled, older, or otherwise at risk while living at home. When help is needed, the service user can press a button (usually on a pendant, wristband, or alarm unit) which connects them directly to a staffed monitoring centre that can quickly arrange assistance. 4.37 In 2025/26, the weekly charge for an analogue community alarm was £6.80. During 2025, the Community Alarms Team successfully completed the transition of all existing users to digital units. As part of this transition, the introduction of the digital SIM increased the weekly charge to £8.07. Based on current budget assumptions for 2026/27, this charge would rise to £8.95 per week, reflecting the approved 5% inflationary uplift alongside the previously approved adjustment to fund the revenue costs associated with capital borrowing for the digital transition. 4.38 Even with these adjustments, the current charge does not meet the full cost of delivering the community alarm service. Under a full cost recovery model, the weekly charge would require to increase to £12 per user, based on the current service population of approximately 1,570 users.
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4.39 A review of charges applied by other local authorities (Appendix 4), shows that West Dunbartonshire’s current weekly charge is higher than those published by almost all other councils. Only the City of Edinburgh applies a higher rate (based on 2025/26 published rates). However, it is not possible to confirm the basis on which other authorities have calculated their published charges, and therefore direct comparison should be treated with caution. 4.40 A small range of charging options, in excess of the 5% increase already approved by Council, to full cost recovery, are outlined in Appendix 3 for consideration. Given that West Dunbartonshire already charge at one of the highest published rates, it could be considered a prudent option to increase the charge incrementally as a manageable step to reducing the subsidy. A reasonable option would be to increase the charge to £10 per week. This could increase income by £0.122m based on the current number of service users retaining their alarm service. Charge for the full cost of a telecare or peripheral device. 4.41 The full cost recovery model for community alarms is based on the traditional telecare service described in section 4.36 above i.e. wrist band or pendant connected to alarm unit. While additional peripheral devices can be added to enhance a service users support at home, these are provided following assessment and are not charged separately. 4.42 The table below summarises the types of devices currently in use and the number of service users who have them. Again, a review of other Local Authorities charging policies was undertaken to determine if they charge for additional telecare devices. From the information publicly available it could not be reliably determined whether Scottish councils charge separately for telecare peripherals. Most Councils apply a single community alarm / telecare charge and peripheral devices appear to be included following assessment, rather than individually priced. Table 1 current telecare devices Device Cost Number of service users Chair Occupancy Pad £94.96 7 Bed Occupancy Pad - Large £111.51 34 Door Contacts 37.19 48 Battery Smoke Alarm Std 54.43 59 Battery Heat Alarm Std £74.04 59 Pearl Advanced (Fall Sensor) £68.73 81 Companion Mini Connect-it (Mini) £286.21 50 Big Button Switch 72.37 4 Seven with Pearl Wrist Worn Pendant £169.93 0 Seven with wearable package £166.46 0 Wearable Package – Pendant £38.65 these are to replace when service users lose them Pearl – Easy Press Pendant £38.65 9
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4.43 Given the current lack of reliable information, and alongside the recommendation to increase the weekly community alarm charge a reasonable approach would be to include the cost of peripherals within the single community alarm charge / telecare charge. 4.44 A review of expenditure on peripherals from 2022/23 to date totals spend of £54,827, averaging £14,621 per year. Including this cost within the unified charge would increase the charge by a further £0.18 per week from £10.00 to £10.18. If approved this could increase income by a further £0.014m from the amount detailed in section 4.40 above. 4.45 This would be subject to review as officers plan to work with COSLA’s Charging Working group to establish individual local authority positions on charging for peripheral telecare devices. 4.46 The overarching aim is to support service users to remain safely and independently at home for as long as possible. Community alarms and telecare play a critical role in achieving this by providing timely alerts, reducing risks, and offering reassurance to both individuals and carers. 5. Options Appraisal 5.1 Full cost recovery of for digital community alarms and building-based day care services has been modelled using current financial data and existing service delivery arrangements. However, given the scale of the projected budget gap facing the HSCP Board, there is a risk that the Board will be required to make changes to current models of care as part of its statutory duty to achieve financial balance. Any such changes could materially impact both service configuration and the associated income projections set out in this report. 6. People Implications 6.1 Any known implications for any people are covered throughout this report. 7. Financial and Procurement Implications 7.1 The income received from levying charges forms part of the net funding contribution made by West Dunbartonshire Council to the HSCP Board for services delegated, as set out in section 3 above. 7.2 Additional revenue income anticipated to be generated depending on options agreed will be included as a management adjustment within the 2026/27 budget setting paper due to be submitted to the HSCP Board on 24 March 2026 and will decrease the projected budget gap as set out in section 3.10 above. 7.3 Table 3 below summarises the potential income that could be generated from the recommended increases. These figures should be interpreted alongside the caveats outlined in section 5.1, particularly the risk that higher charges may reduce service uptake and limit the level of income ultimately achievable.
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Table 3: Projected additional income from increased charges Service Recommended Charge Projected Income based on current models and activity £m Key Safes supply and fit £50.00 £0.035 Older People Day Service - excluding transport and meals £15.60 £0.098 Learning Disability Day Service - excluding transport and meals £35.00 £0.093 Digital Telecare including peripherals £10.18 £0.136 Projected total £0.362 8. Risk Analysis 8.1 Failure to implement a revised Charging Policy, reflective of current guidance, could leave the Council and HSCP exposed to reputational risk. 8.2 Appendix 3 sets out options to increase current charges from the already approved 5% inflationary uplift through to full cost recovery. There is a risk that higher charges will be rejected by some service users, leading to reduced uptake and undermining the income forecasts presented. The projections do not include any allowance for demand attrition or non-payment; consequently, the estimated additional income may not be realised if price sensitivity is higher than assumed. Notwithstanding this risk, benchmarking against other local authorities indicates scope to increase selected charges and to introduce a new charge for the provision and installation of key safes 8.3 While the Charging Policy provides a consistent and fair framework for charging and, includes income maximisation checks for individuals and their carers, the risk of non-payment or partial payment of charges remains. Outstanding debt is monitored quarterly and appropriate recovery actions are undertaken; however, debts can still accumulate. In addition, there is a consequential risk to service users if social care services are reduced or withdrawn as a result of non-payment, which should be recognised within the overall assessment of financial and operational risks. 8.4 There is a risk of unintended consequences on other HSCP services. 9. Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) 9.3 An Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA – 1465) has been undertaken and is provided within Appendix 2.
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9.4 The HSCP will remain cognisant of the potential risks and unintended impacts to the wider health and social care system from decisions approved. 10. Consultation 10.1 Staff feedback was gathered on these changes, and this feedback was implemented into the equality impact assessment. 10.2 The HSCP operational services requested to provide feedback into the equality impact assessment were: Chief Social Work Officer Head of Addictions, Mental Health and Learning Disability Head of Health and Community Care; and HSCP Self-Directed Support Team. 11. Strategic Assessment 11.1 The Council’s Long Term Financial Plan contains projections on income raised from Sales, Fees and Charges that will increase based on annual uprating to account for inflationary pressures. 11.2 The Charging Policy will provide a consistent, fair and transparent framework for charging and does not inhibit any of the key strategic priorities of the Council. Name: Beth Culshaw Designation: Chief Officer, West Dunbartonshire HSCP Date: 4th March 2026 Person to Contact: Julie Slavin Chief Financial Officer West Dunbartonshire HSCP Email: Julie.Slavin@ggc.scot.nhs.uk Appendices: Appendix 1: Draft Charging Policy 2025/2026 Appendix 2: Equalities Impact Assessment Appendix 3: % to full cost recovery Appendix 4: Other Local Authority charges Background Papers: https://www.cosla.gov.uk/about-cosla/our-teams/health- and-social-care/social-care-charging-information Planning with People Guidance Wards Affected: All Council Wards
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