Decision details

This report seeks approval to proceed with the next phase of delivering self-directed support to give more choice and control to people who use social care services.  This phase includes the introduction of a Resource Allocation System (RAS) which is used to calculate the indicative amount for a personal budget.

The implementation of self directed support, and specifically the Resource Allocation System, is a key factor in improving choice and control for people who use social care services.  It also represents a fundamental change in the way the council allocates funding for people who need support.  The changes proposed allow the council to implement change gradually, using a nationally tested model, with close monitoring of implications for Wiltshire.

The implementation of personalisation, which includes self directed support and the adoption of a RAS, is a requirement of the Department of Health.   The option to do nothing has not, therefore, been considered.

Some authorities have implemented separate resource allocation systems for different groups of people and services (e.g. learning disabilities; mental health). However, this does not overcome one of the principles that the RAS should promote equity of resource allocation, regardless of ‘client type’ label.

Some authorities, particularly those that adopted self-directed support early, have worked with consultants to develop their own RAS.  However, many are now reviewing the national RAS on the basis that it provides a common framework of resource allocation that can be understood across many local authority areas.

During 2009, the Council supported a pilot project, designed with current users of services, with 20 volunteer service users to help us understand how the new system of personal budgets can be made to work.   This pilot has been evaluated by the University of Bath and the learning incorporated into the current proposals

Also, last year the Council tested a Resource Allocation System as a ‘desktop exercise’.  This involved completing 200 assessment questionnaires for a sample of existing customers which generated scores.  These scores are ‘translated’ into a financial sum by the Resource Allocation System into an indicative personal budget by taking the total current care costs for the sample and dividing it by the total number of points for the completed questionnaires.  This then arrives at a ‘£ per point’ figure.

Officers are continuing to test how the national Common RAS works in Wiltshire with 200 existing service users over the next few months, and will model this information to enable this calculation for Wiltshire, again by taking the total current care costs for the sample of people and dividing it by the total number of points for the completed questionnaires to arrive at a ‘£ per point’ figure.

Since 2008, officers in Adult Social Care have worked with a SDS Reference Group which comprises of a group of customers who use direct payments or have piloted personal budgets.  This group has contributed to the development work described within the supporting papers.