Changes to Eligibility Criteria - Easyread Version.pdf

Eligibility criteria –What is happening in Westminster?What does eligibility criteria mean?This is the name given to the way councils decide who gets services to help themlive an independent, healthy and safe life in their community.What the law says about eligibility criteriaWhen councils decide what services to offer someone, they first have to decidewhat their needs are.They look at independence, health, safety and wellbeing.Councils then put people in to 1 of 4 groups:1. Critical –people whose lives would be at risk if they do not have support2. Substantial –people who can not look after themselves or their healthwithout support3. Moderate –people who need support to do many things and to keep safe andhealthy4. Low –people who are quite independent if they have some support

Westminster City Council wants to change their eligibility criteriaMost councils are no longer funding services to people in the moderate or lowbands.Westminster Council also wants to stop funding service for people withmoderate and low support needs.This means it is harder for people to get services.Westminster Council says they do not have enough money to meet everyone’sneeds.Moderate needsLow needsNo SupportCritical needsSubstantial needsHave Support

More about cuts to fundingIf councils are not funding services, which help people get independent living skills;more people may have more support needs in the future. This could mean thatcouncils have to spend more, not less, money.Some of the reasons councils may be cuttingthey money they spend on servicesEach year it costs more to run services.Councils get money from the Government to dothis.The Government is not giving councils enoughmoney to spend on services.

What the law saysCouncils must be reasonable in the way they decide who gets what services.They must not decide what services to give just based on how much money theyhave to spend.When a Council changes the Eligibility Criteria, they must give people a newassessment. They must also consult with people (public consultation – seekingyour views).Councils must not put people on waitinglists or set up a group called an allocationand funding panel as a way of putting offmaking a decision about services.If a council does not have enough staff orfacilities to keep giving a service, they must tryto find another service.The Human Rights Acts sets out the basichuman needs that the Council must try to meet.

Showing how services and cuts affect peopleThings to doMake sure you take part in the consultation‘sharing your views’.If you need help, we can arrange for someone tosupport you to fill in the form and get your viewsacross.With you, we will make sure that councillors andstaff at Westminster Council who make decisionsabout services understand what effect theseservices have on people’s lives.We will help to explain people’s support needs andwhat a difference good support can make tosomeone’s life.We can help to share stories about real people andhow their lives have been affected by:•cuts to services• getting services that are right for them.If you need any more information, advice or support please contact:• Azniv O’Driscoll (Children, Youth & Family Services)• Ryan Anderson (Adult Services)on020 8968 7376