To ask the Minister of Health to detail (i) the hourly cost per person receiving care in the community; and (ii) whether this cost increases, or results in less caring time, when the person receiving the care lives in a rural area that requires longer travelling time.

The cost of a domiciliary homecare package will vary significantly depending on the requirements of individuals. Costs will also differ depending on whether the package is being delivered through the independent or statutory sector.

The service provided to each person is based on an individualised assessment of need and could range from a small number of hours each week to much more significant care needs involving several carers. Trusts also have a number of different domiciliary care service delivery models, such as a rapid assessment service and long term permanent care, each regulated as a domiciliary care service. The range of services are provided both by Trust staff and independent sector provider staff and therefore the staff costs also vary per hour of care delivered. However, for the purposes of comparison, the cost paid to providers in relation to care, is outlined below.

(i) Prior to November 2021, the hourly cost paid to independent sector providers is outlined below.

From 1 November 2021, following my announcement of a support package of up to £23m for the independent domiciliary and wider care sector, these rates have been increased to £18 per hour.

For statutory provision of domiciliary care, Trust staff are paid in accordance with regional pay scales under Agenda for Change. Trusts pay employer costs for their domiciliary care workers including employers’ National Insurance and Superannuation contributions. The Trusts also pay business mileage for travel.

(ii) Care time delivered is based on the actual assessed needs of the service user, whether provided by the statutory or independent sector. The cost paid per hour is an overall hourly rate which covers costs directly associated with the care package. Travel time is not a determination in producing a planned package of care, as this is based on the needs of the individual. Where the person receiving the care lives in a rural area that requires longer travelling time, this should not result in less caring time, as the expectation is that the provider delivers care on the full commissioned time, as per each individual’s assessed care needs. The rate paid remains the same (as determined by the relevant Trust), regardless of geographical location or travel time.