Agenda item

Report ACS10064

The Portfolio Holder introduced a report outlining the proposed development of a pre-paid card in Bromley.  The pre-paid card provided an effective mechanism for assisting recipients of Direct Payments in managing their budget and purchasing social care services.

The Portfolio Holder suggested that it would be helpful to have a demonstration of how the cards work and asked that something be provided at the Portfolio Planning Day.

The Programme Manager, Supporting Independence in Bromley (SIB), introduced the report and highlighted that the pre paid cards would assist LBB Officers in tracking and auditing the way in which direct payments were spent.  The cards would simplify the auditing process for the Care Management Team.

The Committee explored a number of issues arising from the use of pre-paid cards.  A couple of Members expressed concerns regarding the appropriate use of the cards.  The Programme Manager, SIB, provided assurances that the auditing process would identify if the  cards were being used for inappropriate spending.  Paper statements would be issued once a month to help individuals manage their spending and Officers would be able to follow trends in expenditure.  Certain elements of the card could be switched off in order to limit the opportunities for individuals to use the card inappropriately.  The Programme Manager SIB highlighted that this would have to be managed carefully as there were a number of implications surrounding switching off elements of the card.

Officers confirmed that the pre-paid card would look different from and distinctive to other payment cards that service users may possess.

The Committee explored a number of safeguarding issues and sought assurances that adequate security arrangements were in place to protect service users.  The Programme Manager SIB stressed that the pre-paid cards were similar to standard credit card with a PIN number in that if service users gave their PIN to other people the card could be used.  Banks would be insuring the card to protect against possibilities of cloning and fraud.  In order to maintain security and safeguard individuals, it would be possible to issue a second card for a relative or carer to use.  Any users of the cards would have to sign a standard security agreement that would be in place; this would set out the expected security standards to be adopted and Officers would monitor appropriate use of the card.

The Committee considered the set up arrangements for the cards and Officers confirmed that accounts could be set up in service user’s homes.  A Member suggested that as an incentive the cards should be provided free of charge.  Following discussion, it was suggested that in order to manage the limited resources available sponsorship for the cards could be pursued.  Officers agreed that they would investigate this possibility and report back to the Committee. 

A Member also raised the issue of the charges for the card.  The Director ACS explained that the 1% transaction charge to  service users was only for agreed cash advances, not for general use of the cards.  There was also a 1% charge for providers but this was a standard charge.

A Co-opted Member sought assurances that service users would be given the choice of whether they wanted to use the pre paid cards.  The Programme Manager SIB reported that service users would be provided with choice, but that it was hoped that the cards would be the default option for individuals who would struggle to manage money.

The Director ACS stressed that the purpose of the cards was to promote independence and limit bureaucracy.

RESOLVED that the development of a pre-paid card for use by Direct Payment recipients be agreed.