Fair Access and a Threshold of Care Policy Consultation

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This consultation has now ended

Why are we consulting?

Care at home is the main way in which we provide adult social care in our communities. This consultation outlines some of the challenges we have in delivering this important care and how we are proposing to respond to that.

Our challenges:


  • Increasing demand for services as people live longer and with more complex needs
  • Workforce shortages and in some area’s we have full employment
  • Cost of social care delivery
  • Not spending beyond available budget

We are consulting as a change in how we deliver care would be a change of policy. We are also making other service management improvements that will help us deliver care more effectively.

What are we proposing and how will this affect delivery of care?


In May 2025 a proposal was made that the HSCP explore the option of introducing a “ceiling of care” or a threshold level of care which was available to an individual.


We proposed a level of 25 hours of social care per week which is equivalent to the cost of a residential care placement. If this is approved:

  • This means we would put a threshold or limit on the amount of care that could be commissioned of 25 hours per week
  • If your assessed care need was greater than this we would put different planning and approval in place to ensure that we were prioritising need and maintaining fair access to care. This may require consideration of residential care if appropriate.
  • This does not mean that you cannot access more than 25 hours per week of care at home.
  • This makes sure we can still provide fair access for those with more moderate or short term care needs within the resources we have.
  • We will identify as part of the policy development what the exemptions need to be in Argyll & Bute, for example when someone may quickly need end of life care or as part of public protection.

How will we consult?


  • We will use this engagement hub as a central place for information and interaction between 31 July and 31 August 2025.
  • We will publish dates for in person community conversations.
  • We will consult with staff and ask their professional opinion on how we ensure we maintain safe, effective services.
  • We will involve carers and providers of care
  • We will also invite feedback in the form of a questionnaire and you can ask us questions directly here.

What will we do with your feedback?


  • We want to consult to help inform the Integrated Impact Assessment this is a document which considers how people in Argyll & Bute will be impacted in relation to our public duties. It helps us understand any risks and how we will reduce risk.
  • We will use your feedback to inform the policy document. Your feedback will inform and may change the policy proposal.
  • We will use your feedback to report to the Integration Joint Board
  • Your feedback will inform the decision of the Integration Joint Board

The final documents from the consultation will be an Integrated Impact Assessment, a policy and a final report to the Integration Joint Board.

How will we update you?


The outcomes of the consultation, the impact assessment and policy proposal will be presented to the Integration Joint Board public meeting on 17 September 2025 and will be available to view from 10 September 2025 as public papers.

You can also subscribe here to receive an update on what the feedback was and the decision of the Integration Joint Board.


Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership is a partnership between Argyll & Bute Council and NHS Highland working together to deliver health and social care services in Argyll & Bute.


Why are we consulting?

Care at home is the main way in which we provide adult social care in our communities. This consultation outlines some of the challenges we have in delivering this important care and how we are proposing to respond to that.

Our challenges:


  • Increasing demand for services as people live longer and with more complex needs
  • Workforce shortages and in some area’s we have full employment
  • Cost of social care delivery
  • Not spending beyond available budget

We are consulting as a change in how we deliver care would be a change of policy. We are also making other service management improvements that will help us deliver care more effectively.

What are we proposing and how will this affect delivery of care?


In May 2025 a proposal was made that the HSCP explore the option of introducing a “ceiling of care” or a threshold level of care which was available to an individual.


We proposed a level of 25 hours of social care per week which is equivalent to the cost of a residential care placement. If this is approved:

  • This means we would put a threshold or limit on the amount of care that could be commissioned of 25 hours per week
  • If your assessed care need was greater than this we would put different planning and approval in place to ensure that we were prioritising need and maintaining fair access to care. This may require consideration of residential care if appropriate.
  • This does not mean that you cannot access more than 25 hours per week of care at home.
  • This makes sure we can still provide fair access for those with more moderate or short term care needs within the resources we have.
  • We will identify as part of the policy development what the exemptions need to be in Argyll & Bute, for example when someone may quickly need end of life care or as part of public protection.

How will we consult?


  • We will use this engagement hub as a central place for information and interaction between 31 July and 31 August 2025.
  • We will publish dates for in person community conversations.
  • We will consult with staff and ask their professional opinion on how we ensure we maintain safe, effective services.
  • We will involve carers and providers of care
  • We will also invite feedback in the form of a questionnaire and you can ask us questions directly here.

What will we do with your feedback?


  • We want to consult to help inform the Integrated Impact Assessment this is a document which considers how people in Argyll & Bute will be impacted in relation to our public duties. It helps us understand any risks and how we will reduce risk.
  • We will use your feedback to inform the policy document. Your feedback will inform and may change the policy proposal.
  • We will use your feedback to report to the Integration Joint Board
  • Your feedback will inform the decision of the Integration Joint Board

The final documents from the consultation will be an Integrated Impact Assessment, a policy and a final report to the Integration Joint Board.

How will we update you?


The outcomes of the consultation, the impact assessment and policy proposal will be presented to the Integration Joint Board public meeting on 17 September 2025 and will be available to view from 10 September 2025 as public papers.

You can also subscribe here to receive an update on what the feedback was and the decision of the Integration Joint Board.


Argyll & Bute Health and Social Care Partnership is a partnership between Argyll & Bute Council and NHS Highland working together to deliver health and social care services in Argyll & Bute.


This consultation has now ended

  • Thank you

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    Thank you to everyone across Argyll and Bute who shared their views on the Fair Access and a Threshold of Care Policy Consultation. The consultation has now ended.

    The Argyll and Bute Health and Social Care Partnership met on the 17th of September to consider

    The Integration Joint Board has agreed to set the weekly limit for Care at Home services at 28 hours, with a policy to review this annually. The risk of doing nothing was recognised, as was the need to monitor potential impacts on care delivery and unpaid carers, especially for those with the highest needs.

    You can view a video of this item being discuss, (2 hours 31 minutes into the recording)

  • Final call: Have Your Say on Care at Home Services in Argyll & Bute

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    Final Call: Have Your Say on Care at Home Services in Argyll & Bute

    We’re now in the final days of our consultation on proposed changes to care at home services. Thank you to everyone who has already taken part—your feedback is helping shape the future of care in our communities.

    If you haven’t yet shared your views, there’s still time. The consultation closes on 31 August 2025, so please take a few minutes to have your say.

    What’s this consultation about?

    Care at home is one of the most important ways we support adults in our communities. But we’re facing some real challenges—like rising demand, limited staff, and financial pressures.

    We’re asking for your views on a proposed change that would help us make sure care is available to more people who need it, in a fair and sustainable way.

    What are we proposing?

    We’re proposing to introduce a threshold of 25 hours per week for care at home services. This is roughly the same cost as a residential care placement.

    This change would help us:

    • Prioritise those with the greatest need
    • Make access to care fairer across all areas
    • Deliver care within the staff and budget we have

    This doesn’t mean people can’t get more than 25 hours of care—but if someone needs more, we’d look at other options and put extra planning in place, including considering residential care if appropriate.

    Who would this affect?

    Right now, only about 6% of people receiving care at home in Argyll & Bute get more than 25 hours per week. This proposal would not apply to people with lifelong conditions, who are assessed differently.

    We’ll also be looking at exemptions—for example, for people needing end-of-life care or in urgent public protection situations.

    Why are we consulting?

    We want to hear from you—whether you’re receiving care, caring for someone, working in social or health care, or part of the wider community.

    We’re consulting because this would be a policy change, and we want to understand the impact it could have. Your feedback will help shape how we move forward.

    How can I take part?

    We’re have also been speaking with staff, carers, and care providers to make sure we hear from everyone involved.

    When is this happening?

    You can view the full timeline and subscribe for updates on our Engagement Hub.

    Your voice matters

    This is about making sure we can continue to provide safe, effective, and fair care for everyone in Argyll & Bute. Please take a few minutes to share your views before the consultation closes—we’re listening.

  • In person Engagement Dates

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    ISLE OF BUTE

    Tuesday, 12 August 2025 at Bank of Ideas (Rothesay Pavilion), 17 High Street, Rothesay, Isle of Bute, PA20 9AS

    from 10 am - 12 noon and 1 pm - 3 pm


    COWAL

    Tuesday, 19 August 2025 at the Old Library Area, Queens Hall, 9 Argyll St, Dunoon, PA23 7HH

    from 10 am - 12 noon and 2 pm - 4 pm


    OBAN

    Tuesday, 19 August 2025 at the Furan Gaelic Centre, Corral Halls, 54 Corran Esplanade, Oban, PA34 5AB

    from 10 am - 12 noon and 2 pm - 4 pm


    HELENSBURGH

    Wednesday, 20 August 2025 at the Community Room, Helensburgh and Lomond Civic Centre,

    38 East Clyde St, Helensburgh, G84 7PG from 10 am - 12 noon and 2 pm - 4 pm


    MID ARGYLL

    Thursday, 21 August 2025 in Room 5, Lochgilphead Community Centre, Lochgilphead, PA31 8QX

    from 10 am - 12 noon and 2 pm - 4 pm


    KINTYRE

    Thursday, 21 August 2025 at the Aqualibrium Leisure Centre, Kinloch Rd, Campbeltown, PA28 6EG

    from 10 am - 12 noon and 2 pm - 4 pm


    ONLINE REMOTE EVENT

    An online community engagement event will be held for those who missed the in-person local events.

    Please register for this event using this link: https://bit.ly/3J2Bo93

    Because this is an online event, the format will be slightly different to the in person events.

    We ask you to register, so that we can better plan the event. The information that you provide for the registration will only be retained until we have sent out post-event communications and will be destroyed afterwards.

    As with the in-person events, your feedback will be used to write a report. We will not use personal information that can be linked to you.

    For any further information email at nhs.abhscp@nhs.scot You are also encouraged to submit questions online and complete the online survey hosted on NHS Highland Engagement Hub by visiting ow.ly/wgmR50WBURM

    You can also view, download, print or share a document containing all of the dates.

    An image of the document, that is available to view, download or print


  • News and updates

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    Have Your Say: Consultation on Care at Home Services in Argyll & Bute

    What’s this consultation about?

    Care at home is one of the most important ways we support adults in our communities. But we’re facing some real challenges—like rising demand, limited staff, and financial pressures.

    We’re asking for your views on a proposed change that would help us make sure care is available to more people who need it, in a fair way both now and in the future.

    What are we proposing?

    We’re proposing to introduce a threshold of 25 hours per week for care at home services. This is roughly the same cost as a residential care placement.

    This change would help us:

    • Prioritise those with the greatest need
    • Make access to care fairer across all areas
    • Deliver care with the staff and budget we have

    This doesn’t mean people can’t get more than 25 hours of care—but if someone needs more, we’d look at other options and put extra planning in place, including considering residential care if appropriate.

    Who would this affect?

    Right now, only about 6% of people receiving care at home in Argyll & Bute get more than 25 hours per week. This proposal would not apply to people with lifelong conditions like learning disability, who are needs assessed differently.

    We’ll also be looking at exemptions—for example, for people needing end-of-life care or in urgent public protection situations.

    Why are we consulting?

    We want to hear from you—whether you’re receiving care, caring for someone, working in social or health care, or part of the wider community.

    We’re consulting because this would be a policy change, and we want to understand the impact it could have. Your feedback will help shape how we move forward.

    How can I take part?

    • Here at our Engagement Hub
    • Completing our online questionnaire
    • Attend one of our in-person community conversations (dates and venues will be posted on the hub and in local media - subscribe for announcements)
    • Ask us questions directly through the hub

    We’re also speaking with staff, carers and representatives, and care providers to make sure we hear from everyone involved.

    When is this happening?

    The consultation is open from 31 July-31 August 2025. You can view the full timeline and subscribe for updates on our Engagement Hub.

    Your voice matters

    This is about making sure we can continue to provide safe, effective, and fair care for everyone in Argyll & Bute. Please take a few minutes to share your views—we’re listening.