Decision details

Developing the capacity to offer a Council-Run Deputyship Service.  A second decision on implementation will be required once capacity has been established.

That Executor Services and Business Strategy be authorised to develop the operational requirements for a Council-Run Deputyship Service before a second Cabinet Member decision on implementation of the service.

It is recommended that approval is given to develop the capacity for an In-house Deputyship Service in order to deliver a service that meets a recognised public demand.  A second Cabinet Member decision will be required before implementation of the service.

The proposed model maximises the potential capacity of the existing workforce and delivers the best financial return on our investment in new software that has already been procured.

As a result, we expect to deliver a service that:

• Represents vulnerable people in a fair and responsible way

·         Delivers a more efficient route to representation than is currently available in Sheffield

·         Delivers additional income to SCC that would otherwise be paid to external providers at a higher rate

·         Brings Sheffield into line with other local authorities.

The alternative to an in-house solution is already in existence – the use of solicitors at a higher cost to the client.  It may still be necessary to use solicitors as the most appropriate provider in circumstances where the client’s finances are complex or where there is an existing dispute with Sheffield City Council.

The capacity and caseload of the in-house team was considered as a potential variation to this proposal.  Should demand continue to build when the team’s capacity is reached, there is the potential to recruit.