Are you thinking of taking legal action against a local authority because of fee rates?
Is it worth the time, money and effort?
How does it work?
This webinar, led by Anthony Collins Solicitors and the Staffordshire Care Providers Association, will guide you through the pros and cons of taking legal action. Using real-world examples and expert opinion, you will gain a realistic view on whether this route is right for you.
Liam Fitzgerald of Anthony Collins Solicitors, who represented Staffordshire Care Providers in their recent judicial review against Stoke-on-Trent Council will explain the process.
You will also hear from Juliet Briggs, Chair of the Staffordshire Care Providers Association. The initial judgment went in the providers’ favour. The council is, however, appealing the outcome. It has also come back with exactly the same fee rate offer of 1.4% for care homes (on an existing fee rate of c. £670 per week).
We will discuss what happens next and the potential implications of the outcome for care providers in all local authority areas.
Questions we will explore, include:
- How does the judicial review processes work?
- What are some of the tensions that arise that could weaken your case?
- What might you achieve, and what does a realistic outcome looks like?
- What is considered to be good evidence?
- What does a good rationale for setting fee rates look like, and how can you analyse your costs in a credible way?
- Is it possible to get funding?
- What is the reality of a judicial review? How much time does it take, what is the commitment and cost?
- What other options are available?
- What are the repercussions of previous and ongoing legal actions on the wider sector?
The webinar will take the form of a discussion with presentations and a chance for any questions you may have.
Your Speakers:
Liam Fitzgerald, Senior Associate at Anthony Collins LLP
Liam is a solicitor, experience in advising health and social care clients on a range of contractual and commercial issues, typically with a focus around achieving a fair and sustainable fee.
Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association
Jane has extensive experience in the social care, health, housing, and technology sectors. Formerly Chair of the Board of Kraydel; CEO Somerset Care Group; Chairman YourLife (JV with McCarthy & Stone); and Vice Chair UKHCA. Jane’s first career was in international leadership roles in research and development in ICI, AstraZeneca, and Syngenta, where she was Global Head of Bioscience Research. She then established her own business providing consultancy and training on the link between lifestyle factors and public health, working with private individuals and public sector organisations.
