Influencing Learning Disability Fees Materials

This guide has been prepared as a general note for Learning Disability providers. In the first instance, we suggest providers use this guide to write to Local Authorities with the aim of getting the Local Authority to the negotiating table.

The guide addresses the following scenarios (please click on the following topics below to view a flow-chart of the process):

• Where you have a current, written contract with the local authority
• Where the written contract with the local authority which has expired without renewal 
• Where there has never been a written contract with the local authority
• Other useful steps to consider

Should providers require specific letters drafting, we suggest the reader contact their legal professional.  Care England has a panel of law firms that can provide legal support.

Providers must also be aware of the impact they have on influencing Local Authority care fees.  The following article outlines how care providers are indirectly supporting Local Authorities to pay care fees below the cost of care

Providers should consider that whatever route they decide to take, the Local Authority may not commission new placements, and there may be an impact on the relationship with the provider.

The following report answers the below questions to guide care providers to action they can take to challenge local authority fee uplifts. The numbered bullet point reflects it’s position within the report

SECTION 3. WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER IF I HAVE A CURRENT CONTRACT WITH A LOCAL AUTHORITY?

SECTION 4. WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY CONTRACT HAS EXPIRED WITHOUT RENEWAL?

SECTION 5. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS IF THERE HAS NEVER BEEN A WRITTEN CONTRACT WITH THE LOCAL AUTHORITY?

SECTION 6. WHAT EVIDENCE SHOULD I INCLUDE WHEN MAKING A REQUEST FOR AN INCREASE IN FEES

SECTION 7. WHAT STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS NEED TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN CONSIDERING A FEE UPLIFT?

SECTION 8. ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVE STEPS TO CONSIDER?

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