PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Social Services: Coronavirus (8 February 2021)

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to ensure care packages are re-implemented after the covid-19 outbreak without any requirement for further assessment.

Asked by:
Ed Davey (Liberal Democrat)

Assessments of social care packages under the Care Act 2014 have been continuing during the pandemic in the majority of areas. The Care Act easements were introduced by eight local authorities in total, but no local authorities are currently implementing these easements. It is for local authorities to decide whether a review or reassessment is required. Where care packages are reduced during the COVID-19 outbreak, local authorities may review the changes to ensure that all needs are being met.

The Care Act 2014 requires that where an adult or carer appears to have care and support needs the local authority must carry out a care needs assessment. Once an eligibility determination has been made the local authority should then carry out a financial assessment to determine whether or not the person should pay anything towards their care.

Answered by:
Helen Whately (Conservative)
16 February 2021