Whether it is satisfied that guidelines issued by it and COSLA on the review of charges for non-residential care services will assist the c…

The guidance in question was issued by COSLA, not the Scottish Executive. It sets a framework of minimum standards for the protection of clients’ resources by local authorities. Service users are not adversely affected by the guidance as local authorities retain the discretion to set charging policies which are more generous than those minimum standards. The guidance includes advice to local authorities on helping clients to claim the benefits they are entitled to.
The Scottish Executive and COSLA jointly reviewed the implementation of the guidance by surveying local authorities in 2004. Following discussions between Executive and COSLA officials about the content of the guidance and its implementation by local authorities, COSLA is currently deciding how to change its guidance in response to the review.