Issue - meetings

The Board received a report from the Strategic Director, People, which provided details of the Telecare Charging Policy, Procedure and Practice 2017, which was appended to the report at Appendix 1.

Members were advised that Halton Telecare Service (formally Lifeline) has been established for over 27 years.  During this time, the services had grown from a static onsite warden service to a fully operational, assessment, installation and response service.  Telecare has the potential to benefit people who may need care and support by increasing their confidence and helping them to remain in their own homes.  The service was for anyone who felt at risk or vulnerable in their own homes and people chose to use the service for a variety of reasons as discussed in the report.

The report outlined the three service levels and the charges for these per week.  It also provided information of the review of the charging methods for Telecare and the development of the Telecare Charging Policy, which was carried out by a task and finish group formed in January 2017.  Appendix 2 contained information of the methods of payment and Appendix 3 gave the Telecare charges from April 2017.

Members welcomed the Policy, Procedure and Practice for Charging and agreed it presented a fairer system for the public.

RESOLVED:  That the Board note the contents of the report and associated appendices.