Social care self-assessment backed

CSCI report next month

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Points-based self-assessment should replace the current system of social care rationing, a sector leader has demanded.

John Dixon, president of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, called on the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) to back a resource allocation system (RAS) in its study on the effects of tightening eligibility for services.

Under RAS, recipients can assess their own needs, rather than automatically have support determined by their council. The analysis is then subject to independent assessment.

CSCI is to report next month to care minister Ivan Lewis on the failings of the current Fair Access to Care Services system, which categorises people into four levels of need. Financial constraints mean most councils now offer support to people with the two most substantial levels of need.

CSCI's recommendations are likely to influence the social care green paper due in spring next year, as well as offering more short-term remedies.

Mr Dixon told LGC that focusing on the points-based RAS would "make a lot of sense".

"It's going to need to go from the current four levels into some other way of assessing it," he said. "The resource allocation system is a simpler process, and it will link in with the direction of personalisation in the green paper."

Lizzie McLennan, health and social care policy officer at Help the Aged, cautioned that while assessment might be more transparent, funding would not necessarily be. She added that rationing remains an issue.

David Rogers (Lib Dem), chairman of the Local Government Association wellbeing board, said flexibility would be vital.

"I'd hope that any solution doesn't prevent local resources from reaching particular local needs," he said.

A CSCI spokesman said the body's final recommends will be published on 15 September.