Please note: this consultation is now closed.

Introduction

Cumbria County Council has carried out consultation to seek views on whether to introduce Fair Access to Care eligibility criteria for the provision of equipment to assist older and disabled adults with a physical need or sensory impairment.  We sought the views of the people of Cumbria and particularly people with a disability and their carers who may be affected.

The consultation document (see the link on the right) set out the detail of the proposals, explained how they would work, the types of equipment covered and to whom the criteria would apply.  ‘Fair Access to Care for Equipment’ is designed to ensure that the people who are most in need will receive assistance from Adult Social Care.  Please note that the proposals would not affect children who already qualify for equipment, or people who require special equipment funded by the NHS.

Cumbria County Council is working closely with voluntary organisations, service user and carer groups to design these changes and ensure they are introduced with necessary support and guidance for service users.  This will include support for assessments for equipment by an on-line self-assessment tool (see the link on the right) as well as advice and support from voluntary organisations and equipment retailers.  We are also working with retailers in Cumbria to ensure that equipment is more easily available.

The message - what were we asking people’s views on?

The aim was to collect and consider views following the consultation period in February so that they can inform the council’s decision on how to proceed from April 2010. 

We were seeking views on:

1.  Whether you agreed with the changes
2.  What you thought were the advantages of the changes? 
3.  What you thought were the disadvantages of the changes?
4.  Should people with low needs buy their own equipment?
5.  How we should work with voluntary organisations and retailers.
6.  What would be the best way to help people on low incomes who may not qualify for help?
7.  Are there any other issues which the Council should consider?

Public Consultation Meetings

We asked many local organisations to help us and arranged six public meetings across the county, which were open to all.

Results and feedback

The results of the consultation are currently being worked on and feedback on the consultation process will be made available soon.  We would like to thank everyone who supported the consultation and contributed with their views.