Suitability of travel assistance

This section describes the different types of travel assistance the Council will consider for individuals deemed eligible to travel assistance and how eligibility is determined.

Council funded transport may not be provided under normal circumstances to an adult with care and support needs. However when reaching its decision the council will take into consideration all relevant factors and each case will be determined on its own merits, associated risk factors and assessed needs and outcomes that the adult is unable to achieve without council funded support.

• The person is in receipt of the higher rate of mobility allowance, unless there are factors limiting their ability to fully utilise the benefits of the allowance e.g. geographical location, the nature of the disability, wheelchair type or carer support requirements. The support plan will determine the level of support offered in these circumstances as part of the assessment process.
• They have their own Motability vehicle which they drive themselves. In this instance there will be consideration of whether it is reasonable to expect that the adult will use that vehicle in order to travel to the required location. If it is unreasonable, the appropriateness of the provision of a Motability vehicle should be questioned and alternative available transport provision should be sought.
• The person has a Motability vehicle of which they are not normally the driver themselves. Similarly, there will be consideration of whether it is reasonable to expect that the adult will use that vehicle in order to travel to the required location. If it is unreasonable, the appropriateness of the use of a Motability vehicle should be questioned and alternative available transport provision should be sought.
• The person has carers e.g. neighbours/family/friends who are able to transport them. Where it is identified that a carer will provide transport it is important that the assessor is able to demonstrate that the impact of this has been appropriately assessed under the Care Act 2014 in an assessment of the carer‘s needs and outcomes. Where carers or friends have been assessed as being able to provide transport, alternative arrangements should be detailed in a contingency plan to cover periods where they are unable to do so.
• Where the individual is reliant on a relative or other carer to drive a Motability car, consideration will be given to supporting carers respite needs, including enabling them to work. If an individual or carer makes the decision that the Motability vehicle will not be used for the intended purpose the onus will be on the individual and/or carer to make alternative appropriate arrangements.
• The adult has a bus pass which they are able to use to attend the required location. In cases where the adult’s ability to use the bus pass may present an unreasonable level of risk please refer to travel assistance factors for adults.
• The person lives in a registered residential care home as these are subject to the terms and conditions of the contract between the council and the care home. However, if the individual is assessed as having the ability to travel independently, or with minimal intervention, the care home will make provision to support independent travel if they are responsible for transport arrangements. If the individual is a tenant in extra care housing, supported accommodation or an adult placement scheme, they will be subject to the same assessment and care planning arrangements as people living in their own homes or with relatives.