Adult social care provider uplift policy summary

This summary outlines the key points providers need to know when considering a request for a fee uplift or rate change for services commissioned by Portsmouth City Council (PCC) Adult Social Care (ASC).

Contracted Providers: If your contract includes a specified annual indexation or inflation methodology, that process will be followed. You will be notified of any changes by your assigned Contract Officer.

Non-Contracted or unspecified indexation or inflation: Providers without a specified uplift clause will be reviewed annually. Engagement is led by the Contracts & Commissioning Team Manager (CCTM), with financial support from ASC Finance.

Domiciliary Care: Uplifts have considered the UKHCA cost model, adjusted for local conditions e.g. mileage, within the context of local market sustainability and commissioning intentions. This is subject to change in-line with re-commissioning.

Residential & Nursing Care: Uplifts consider sector-wide cost factors (staffing, overheads, etc.) and may be tapered if in-year ‘above inflation’ increases have already occurred.

Day Care, Supported Living, Other Services: Reviewed similarly to residential/nursing care, led by the relevant Head of Service.

CHC & ECR Services: Require approval from the HIOW ICB before any uplift is applied.

Spot purchase providers without formal contracts follow the same uplift process as non-contracted providers or unspecified indexation or inflation unspecified, except where services are run by other Local Authorities.

Providers may request an in-year uplift if:

• no annual uplift has been received;
• there is a risk of financial instability or service failure; or
• where there has been a significant change in need

Process:

1. Submit a written request detailing financial concerns and proposed rate.
2. A Contracts Officer will be assigned to assess and negotiate.
3. Financial impact will be reviewed by PCC.
4. Final decision made at the monthly review board.
5. Provider notified of decision.
6. Approved changes will be implemented in the ContrOCC system and communicated to the provider.

Uplifts (unless related to a significant change in need) should be requested between February and March, requests outside of this period will not be considered unless there is a significant risk of financial instability that would more likely than not lead to service failure.

Uplifts will not be backdated; new rates will be applied from the date of the monthly review board if requests are approved.

If you’re unsure about your contractual terms or uplift eligibility, contact the ASC Contracts Team: ASCContractsTeam@portsmouthcc.gov.uk