Decision details

Considering the sustained rise in the cost of fuel and wider inflationary pressures facing Home Care providers in East Sussex, Lead Member is asked to approve a one-off payment to independent sector Home Care provider care workers. 

The proposed payment is £150 per worker, and will be in acknowledgement of the significant increase in fuel costs.

The level of payment aligns with a separate proposal being presented to the September Governance Committee, seeking their agreement to the payment of a one-off lump sum of £150 gross, to employee’s designated as a contracted car user on the singe status grades.

If agreed, funding for the Home Care payment will be made from one-off Adult Social Care reserves.

In the region of 3,000 vulnerable adults receive home care commissioned by the Adult Social Care and Health Department in East Sussex. Home Care is an essential service which enables people to remain living in their own homes. 

There are over 2,200 care workers employed by independent sector home care providers in East Sussex who provide personal care across the county, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Car use is essential for care workers given the level of home care provision and rural nature of many areas within East Sussex.

17.1    The Director of Adult Social Care and Health considered a report regarding a fuel support payment to Independent Sector Home Care Staff.

17.2    The Lead Member RESOLVED to agree a one-off lump sum £150 gross payment to Independent Sector Home Care Provider care staff.

Reason

17.3    In recognition of the financial pressures on Independent Sector Home Care workers as a result of the rising costs of fuel, the Lead Member agreed to a one of payment being made to Independent Sector home care workers, based on staffing levels reported on the Capacity Tracker on a specified date. The decision mirrors that agreed by the Governance Committee for ESCC staff on the single status grades who are designated as a contracted car user and have undertaken business mileage since 1 April 2022.