Commentary on Sections Next steps after assessments Section 30 – Cases where adult expresses preference for particular accommodation
206.This section provides powers regarding the choice of accommodation, and other matters. It sets out some further factors to be considered when it has been determined that an individual’s needs would be best met through the provision of care and support in a care home or other type of accommodation.
207.As subsection (1) sets out, regulations may require a local authority to meet an individual’s preference for specific accommodation. For example, an individual may want to be in a care home close to a relative in another local authority area. Conditions may be imposed in the regulations, for example, that the local authority is satisfied that the preferred care home is able to provide appropriate care and support to meet the person’s needs.
208.In some instances, the local authority may incur additional costs when making arrangements with the preferred care home or other accommodation. An individual, for example, may wish to be placed in a care home that costs more than the amount specified as the cost of meeting the needs in the personal budget. Subsection (2) sets out that the regulations may allow the individual, or someone acting on their behalf, to make an additional payment to the local authority to cover the difference between the cost of their preferred accommodation, and the amount specified in the personal budget.