Overview

This bill aims to improve the lives of disabled people in England and Wales by making it easier for them to transfer their social care packages if they move between different local authority areas. It ensures a smooth transition of care, minimizing disruption and maintaining the level of support they receive.

Description

The Social Care Portability Bill mandates that local authorities cooperate to ensure continuity of care for individuals moving between their areas.

Key Duties:

• First Authority's Duty (The authority where the individual currently resides): Must notify the second authority as soon as the individual intends to move.
• First Authority's Continued Funding Duty: Must continue funding the individual's care until the new care package is in place by the second authority, and is entitled to reimbursement from the second authority.
• Second Authority's Duty (The authority the individual is moving to): Must establish an equivalent care package to meet the individual's needs.
• Cooperation between Authorities: Both authorities must collaborate to ensure a smooth transition, involving the individual and respecting their welfare, dignity, choice and control.

The Secretary of State and Welsh Ministers can issue regulations setting out details such as notice requirements, timelines for establishing new care packages, and reimbursement procedures. The bill defines "care package" broadly to include various forms of support and services.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify government spending figures. However, it could lead to shifts in funding between local authorities, depending on the costs of care packages and reimbursement mechanisms. The overall impact on government spending is uncertain and depends on the implementation of the regulations.

Groups Affected

• Disabled individuals: Directly benefit from the portability of their care packages, ensuring continuity of support when moving.
• Local authorities: Will have new duties and responsibilities for coordinating and funding care packages, potentially leading to changes in resource allocation.
• Care providers: May experience changes in their client base and contracts due to the transfer of individuals between authorities.

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