The Care Act

What is the Care Act?

The Care Act is a new law which aims to help make care and support more consistent across England. Phase 1 of the Act was introduced in April 2015, with Phase 2 introducing further changes in April 2020, as directed by central government.

What does the Care Act promote? 

The Care Act promotes the following:

• Wellbeing and independence: giving people greater choice and control to be independent and providing advice and support to help people live as independently as possible, for as long as possible
• Carers rights: carers are entitled to their own assessments to see if they are eligible for support
• A lifetime cap on care costs: there will be a limit to the amount you will have to pay for care in your lifetime (this is included in Phase 2 of the Act and will be introduced from April 2020)
• Advocacy: the council may need to find you an independent advocate who will help you and represent your best interests to get the right services if you are unable to do so yourself
• Keeping adults safe: This is the first time we have had a law telling councils what to do to help keep adults safe from abuse or neglect.

How is the council implementing the Care Act?

The council worked closely with partners across health and social care, as well as the independent and voluntary sector, nationally, regionally and locally, building up the introduction of Phase 1 of the Act in April 2015. This work will continue in the build up to Phase 2, ensuring that the Care Act benefits our residents.

Where can I get further information? 

The Government have released a number of leaflets for local authorities in the Yorkshire and Humber region, giving specific details about different parts of the Care Act. These are all available to download below:

A guide to adult social care leaflet (pdf 1,766kb, opens in new window)

Advocacy for care and support leaflet (pdf 1,233kb, opens in new window)

Children's transition to adult social care leaflet (pdf 1,225kb, opens in new window)

Customer journey leaflet (pdf 1,275kb, opens in new window)

Deferred payment agreements leaflet (pdf 1,228kb, opens in new window)

Safeguarding adults leaflet (1,240kb, opens in new window)

Support for carers (1,225kb, opens in new window)

Support for prisoners (1,232kb, opens in new window)

Understanding your journey (pdf 1,217kb, opens in new window)