The Care Act 2014

The Care Act will mean that carers now have a legal right to receive care and support where they have eligible needs. Where appropriate, Carers will be supported, so they can continue to provide care for others but also ensure their own wellbeing is being looked after.

More information about carers.

The Care Act requires all councils to provide information and advice on how people can lead healthier and more active lives.  It also explains what further care and support will be available, should the need arise. Southampton City Council have created the directory which provides resources and information, advice and support to enable people to find appropriate information and solutions for themselves. 

From April 2015, the way care and support needs are assessed in England is changing. This means that any decisions made about the help you receive will consider your wellbeing and what is important to you and your family.

Why not try our care self assessment tool which can help you understand if you are eligible to receive help. It can also put you in touch with the right organisations to help and support you.

More information about needs and eligibility.

The Care Act states that from April 2015 councils will need to allocate a personal budget to all people who are eligible for support. The personal budget is the amount of money needed to cover the cost of a person’s eligible support.

Anyone who is eligible will also be offered a direct payment. Many people in Southampton already receive direct payments. This means individuals have total control of how they receive the best care and support for them.

A person’s care plan will be reviewed on a regular basis and if or when their needs change. This way the care plan remains personal and appropriate to the needs and wishes of the person.

The Care Act aims to provide people with maximum control over how their needs are met. Effective care planning makes sure a person is always at the centre of their care plan and fully involved at all stages.  Personalised care planning enables a wide range of support options to be explored, so they best meet the needs of the individual.

In April 2016 a number of financial reforms were due to be introduced. These included changes to capital thresholds, the cap on care costs and appeals. On 17 July 2015, the Government announced that it was postponing the introduction of these reforms from April 2016 until April 2020.

No significant changes will be made around how front line staff and others support adults at risk of abuse and neglect. This is something Southampton City Council already does. However the way we work with our partners, for example the NHS and Police will be enhanced.

Concerned about an adult?

Transition relates to a young person who receives care and support from Children’s Services, who is about to become 18 years old. On turning 18, their care is transferred to Adults Services. The Care Act means that Local Authorities have to improve working between teams to ensure this transfer is a smooth one.

Please visit our preparing for adulthood webpages for more information.

The Care Act extends the current right to advocacy support. Advocacy helps to make sure an individual is fully supported in making the right decisions for their care and support. This means more people, especially those involved with safeguarding enquiries and safeguarding adult reviews, can be supported by an advocate.

The Independent Advocacy service enables people to speak up and have their views and wishes heard. It helps people access their rights as members of the community. The services are free and anyone can ask for an advocate.

More information about advocacy.