Overview

This bill aims to improve the lives of disabled people receiving social care by making it easier for them to move their care packages between different local authority areas in England and Wales. It ensures a smoother transition when a person moves, preventing disruptions to their care and promoting independent living.

Description

The Social Care Portability Bill establishes a duty for local authorities to cooperate in transferring care packages when a person moves.

Key Provisions:

• Notification: The local authority where a person currently receives care ("first authority") must notify the authority in their new location ("second authority") as soon as they have a firm intention to move.
• Provision of Care: The second authority is obligated to provide an equivalent care package to the one the person already receives. Regulations will define what constitutes an "equivalent" package and the timeframe for its implementation.
• Continued Funding: The first authority continues funding the existing care until the second authority's package is in place, and is then reimbursed.
• Cooperation & Welfare: Both authorities must cooperate to ensure a smooth transition, prioritizing the well-being, dignity, choice and control of the person receiving care.
• Regulations: The Secretary of State and Welsh Ministers can issue regulations specifying details of the process, including the format of notifications, timelines, and reimbursement procedures. Dispute resolution mechanisms are also included.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is unclear. While it aims for cost-neutral transfer of responsibility, short-term costs for the first authority could be incurred before reimbursement. The exact financial implications will depend on the regulations and the number of care package transfers.

Groups Affected

• Disabled people receiving social care: Directly benefits them by enabling easier relocation without disruption to care.
• Local authorities in England and Wales: They will have new duties and responsibilities concerning care package transfers and cooperation.
• Care providers: May experience changes in the commissioning of services as care packages are transferred between local authorities.

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