Decision details

Implementing a new service to provide a Council run Deputyship service for people who lack mental capacity to manage their own finances.

Executor Services to commence providing a Deputyship Service from April 2019.

It is recommended that approval is given to implement the Council run Deputyship Service in order to deliver a service that meets a recognised public demand.

The proposed model maximises the potential capacity of the existing workforce and delivers the best financial return on the investment in new software.

As a result, it will 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 the council 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 the council.

The capacity and caseload of the Executor Services team was considered as a potential variation to this proposal.  As the service develops, there remains the potential to review the teams caseload capacity and recruit more staff in order to deliver best value for clients.