Decision details

The Chairman introduced the report on the Council’s implementation of changes to the way in which direct payments are managed and monitored by Pre-Paid Cards.

The report provided an update on how the changes would improve the experience for people with care and support needs, as well as making it easier for the Council to monitor and audit the use of Direct Payment funds. The implementation would reduce the administrative burden on people with care need and significantly improve the Council’s ability to identify and recoup surplus or misused funds and combat fraudulent activity, as well as forming part of the Committees medium term financial strategy (MTFS) with a savings target of £250,000 for 2019/20.

Officers confirmed that the implementation of the new system would continue to be monitored regularly. The Executive Director for Adults and Health agreed that an update on the implementation could be provided to the Committee at a future meeting.

Following consideration of the report, the Chairman moved to vote on the recommendations as set out in the report.

The Committee unanimously RESOLVED to:

1. Note the contents of the report, which supports the achievement of the council’s medium term financial strategy.

2. Support the implementation of the pre-paid card solution in Barnet adult social care services.