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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.