Overview

The Personal Care at Home Act 2010 amended the Community Care (Delayed Discharges etc.) Act 2003, removing the six-week limit on free personal care provided by local authorities to people living at home in England and Wales. This allows local authorities to provide free personal care for longer periods, subject to eligibility criteria.

Description

The Act's primary change is the removal of the six-week limit on free personal care services for individuals residing at home. This alteration applies to personal care services not provided in establishments offering accommodation and care. The Act grants local authorities the power to establish eligibility criteria and procedures for accessing this extended free care, potentially including conditions designed to encourage independent living. It allows for regulations which clarify and expand the provision of free care for longer than six weeks, drawing on existing guidance on eligibility.

Specific amendments were made to several Acts, including the Community Care (Delayed Discharges etc.) Act 2003, the Local Authority Social Services Act 1970, the National Assistance Act 1948, and the Health and Social Services and Social Security Adjudications Act 1983 to accommodate the changes concerning the provision of free personal care. The Act extends to England and Wales.

Government Spending

The act's impact on government spending is difficult to quantify precisely. The removal of the six-week limit could potentially lead to increased expenditure on personal care services as local authorities might provide free care for extended periods. The exact cost will depend on the number of people eligible and the length of care required.

Groups Affected

• Individuals needing personal care at home: Potentially benefits from extended free care, reducing financial burden.
• Local authorities: Increased responsibility for funding and managing extended personal care services.
• Care providers: May experience increased demand for their services.
• Taxpayers: Might see an increase in local taxes or national taxation to fund the extended provision.

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