Decision details

DECISIONS: the Cabinet Member approved:

                              i.        The implementation of the 'Means Testing Assessment Policy for Adoption, Special Guardianship, Child Arrangement and Residence Orders' at Appendix 1, with effect from 9^th April 2017; noting potential changes to the 2017-18 Basic Income Support Personal Allowance Rates once approved by the Department for Work and Pensions (see Appendix 2).

                            ii.        The alignment of the weekly allowance rates for both holders of Adoption and Residence Orders with the age related Standard Fostering Allowance, with effect from the 9^th April 2017; noting that the Standard Fostering Rates will be adjusted in line with changes in the Government Minimum Fostering Allowance rates for the South East.

                           iii.        The proposed transitional protection arrangements for carers as set out in section 8 of the report,  with the following change to the transitional protection arrangements:

The carers experience a reduction of:

·         More than 20% in their weekly level of financial support; and

·         The reduction is greater than £75 per week.

                           iv.        The proposed engagement and implementation process with carers as set out in section 9 of the report; which will be led by the Financial Assessment and Benefits team, together with officers from the Children's Social Care service.

                            v.        Delegate authority to the Section 151 officer to update the personal allowance rates as required, ensuring that they remain in line with the rates published by the Department for Work and Pensions.