BACKGROUND
A reference group to review the ordinary residence guidance was established in 2004 with members nominated by COSLA and ADSW. In May 2006 the Scottish Government asked COSLA and ADSW if they wished to update the membership of the reference group, which was to be reconvened as a working group. We also asked if it would be helpful to have one or two representatives from outside the central belt on the group. Subsequently ADSW and COSLA confirmed that the members of the reference group would take forward the work as members of the new working group.
REMIT
To assist with the development of regulations and revised guidance clarifying and updating the provisions determining which local authority is responsible for paying for a person's community care services. The regulations and guidance should ensure that as far as possible there is a fair and appropriate division of responsibilities and that the care provided to individuals is not compromised. The distribution mechanisms for funding are to be taken into account in the development work. Implementing changes to the distribution mechanisms is outwith the remit of the group, but if a change is considered desirable a recommendation will be put to the Three Years Settlement Group (or equivalent). All Scottish local authorities and other stakeholders with an interest will be consulted on the draft regulations and guidance. The working group will consider the responses to the consultation before finalising the regulations and guidance, which will then be put to Scottish Ministers for approval.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE WORKING GROUP
The working group was in existence for a number of years and the final members of the group representing ADSW and COSLA were:
Laura Bannerman - Dundee City Council/ADSW Community Care Committee
Ken Graham - Renfrewshire Council/Social Work Legal Officers Group
Marie McCarthy - City of Edinburgh Council/ADSW
Jenny McCallum - City of Edinburgh Council/ADSW
Sharon Wearing - Glasgow City Council/COSLA
Irene Chalmers - Glasgow City Council/COSLA
Laura Friel - Renfrewshire Council/ADSW
Adam Rennie, Head of Community Care Division chaired the group. Jan Raitt, Head of Care Home & Cross Cutting Policy Branch in that Division managed the work of the group. Colleagues from relevant parts of the Scottish Government were copied into the papers produced for the working group and attended meetings as appropriate.
The Introductory Paper and minutes of meetings of the group are available for viewing.