Dear colleagues / partners,

We are writing to inform you that Oxfordshire County Council has now launched a public consultation on proposed changes to the Adult Social Care (ASC) Contributions Policy.

This consultation forms part of a broader review of ASC charging arrangements, bringing together proposals relating to Disability Related Expenditure (DRE), transport, and telecare into a single, coordinated programme.

Overview of the consultation

The consultation is seeking views on three proposed changes:

• A revision to the initial Disability Related Expenditure (DRE) allowance
• The introduction of charging for transport arranged by Adult Social Care
• The introduction of a charge for telecare services

DRE reflects the additional costs people may incur due to disability or age when contributing towards the cost of their care. As part of the consultation, we are proposing to reduce the standard DRE allowance from 35% to 25% of relevant disability benefits, while retaining the option for individuals to request an assessment where their costs are higher.

Purpose of the consultation

The consultation is an opportunity to understand how these proposals could affect people who use services and to gather feedback before any decisions are taken. No final decisions have been made at this stage, and all responses will be carefully considered and used to inform recommendations to Cabinet.

What this means for stakeholders

As key stakeholders, you may receive questions or feedback from service users, partners, or members of the public. We would be grateful if you could:

• Direct individuals to the consultation materials and survey
• Encourage feedback through the appropriate channels

Share any themes or concerns with the programme team where relevant via AdultSocialCare-ContributionsConsultation@oxfordshire.gov.uk

• The communications approach has been designed to be clear, transparent and supportive, recognising that this is a sensitive and potentially impactful area for many people.

Further information

Full details of the consultation, including supporting documents and the online survey, are available via the Council’s consultation platform, Let’s Talk Oxfordshire.

📢 Reminder: DSPT Publication Deadline – 30 June

Adult Social Care providers are reminded that the Data Security and Protection Toolkit (DSPT) must be completed and published by 30 June.

DSPT is now mandatory, and completing it demonstrates that your organisation is meeting essential data security and information governance standards required across the sector.

✅ What you need to do:

• Log in to the DSPT platform
• Complete your assessment
• Publish your submission by 30 June

💡 Need support?
OACP is offering FREE help and guidance to support you through the process—from getting started to full publication.

📧 Contact the team at: digital@oacp.org.uk

Don’t leave it until the last minute—start your DSPT today to ensure you meet the deadline.

Continued funding for LDSS and Oliver’s Training in 2026/27

DHSC has confirmed continued funding for the Learning and Development Support Scheme (LDSS) and Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training (Oliver’s Training) in 2026/27.

✅ Now available: Updated LDSS guidance document for employers (including Oliver’s Training)

✅ Now available: LDSS grant determination letter 2026/27 (including Oliver’s Training)

https://bit.ly/4dg8Q9f

Having an up to date ASC-WDS account continues to be a requirement to access LDSS funding....

Join an informal demo and information sharing about ASC-WDS and Learning and development support scheme (LDSS) funding for 26/27.

🗓️ Choice of dates and times:

12th May 10-11.15am

or

23rd June 2-3.15pm

Online via MS Teams

BOOK NOW: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/WdmJww33tV

This is a local session for providers across London and the South East.

Quick links for ASC-WDS:

To set up your free ASC-WDS account – CLICK HERE: https://asc-wds.skillsforcare.org.uk/registration/create-account

To log in to your existing ASC-WDS account – CLICK HERE: https://asc-wds.skillsforcare.org.uk/login

General information about ASC-WDS can be found HERE: https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Adult-Social-Care-Workforce-Data/Adult-Social-Care-Workforce-Data-Set/Adult-Social-Care-Workforce-Data-Set.aspx

Dear Providers,

We have announced our fee uplifts offer for the forthcoming financial year. More information can be found here: OCC fee uplift for 2026/27.

Kind regards,

Oxfordshire County Council

Dear providers,

Please be aware that there is a major water outage in the Witney area with the potential for it to affect many thousands of homes. Please click here for more details: OX29 SWINFORD 04/03 | Thames Water

If you provide care or services in or around this area can you please be sure that the residents that you support have access to drinking water. If you have concerns about their care or support please call 0345 050 7666 (Mon-Thu 8:30am-5pm, Fri 8:30am-4pm) or For urgent, out-of-hours emergencies, contact the Emergency Duty Team on 0800 833 408.

Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers is once again inviting you to recognise your amazing staff by nominating individuals or teams in the annual Oxfordshire Care Awards. They will be inviting nominated individuals and teams with special guests on Thursday 21 May 2026 to the impressive surroundings of the Oxford Belfry in Thame. For More details on how to vote click HERE

Improving Health Training Sessions For all staff supporting adults with a learning disability. Would you like to improve the health of your service users? Oxford Health are offering free training sessions for support staff.

The sessions will be focusing on healthy eating and exercise to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

• Healthy Eating & Drinking
• Physical Activity
• Understanding food and drink labels
• Meal Planning
• How Diet affects Mental Health
• How Sensory impacts diet and more

The programme is running once a week, for 4 weeks. The first session starts on 4th Feb 26 at 13:30 – 16:30 at Slade House, Oxford OX3 7JH. Places are limited so please book early by emailing helen.button@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

No One Should Face a Cold Winter

A warm, safe home is essential for good health and well-being of our Oxfordshire residents. Cold, damp housing can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and mental health challenges across all age groups.

We're here to help.

There's support available to help our residents stay warm this winter and beyond. We've created a toolkit of resources (and attached here) to help you find the right support, from the Better Housing Better Health service, and warm welcome from local libraries and the award winning the Energy App.

Why is this important?

Investing in warmer homes is a proactive approach to improving health and reducing the risk of illness. By addressing the root causes of health problems, we can build stronger, healthier communities for all as a Marmot Place.

How you can help

Spread the word! Share our toolkit and the messages with your networks and community groups to ensure that everyone in need knows about the available support. The toolkit includes thermometer cards which can be ordered, as well as digital resources and text for newsletters and social media posts or whatsapp groups etc.

NEW in 2025

1. Working with our Adult Social Care colleagues we’ve made the link to the risk of falls from cold homes.
2. A quote from a local GP about the link to cold, homes and respiratory infections. Useful for when weather is not cold (less than 5C)

Download your toolkit today to learn more and start taking action.

Winter Warmth comms toolkit.pdf

Home care managers- helping-to-prevent-winter-deaths-quick-guide in Oxfordshire.pdf

Click Here to download the Toolkit

A warm, safe home is essential for good health and well-being of our Oxfordshire residents. Cold, damp housing can lead to serious health issues, including respiratory problems, heart disease, and mental health challenges across all age groups.

We're here to help.

There's support available to help our residents stay warm this winter and beyond. We've created a toolkit of resources (and attached here) to help you find the right support, from the Better Housing Better Health service, and warm welcome from local libraries and the award winning the Energy App.

Why is this important?

Investing in warmer homes is a proactive approach to improving health and reducing the risk of illness. By addressing the root causes of health problems, we can build stronger, healthier communities for all as a Marmot Place.

How you can help

Spread the word! Share our toolkit and the messages with your networks and community groups to ensure that everyone in need knows about the available support. The toolkit includes thermometer cards which can be ordered, as well as digital resources and text for newsletters and social media posts or WhatsApp groups etc.

NEW in 2025

1. Working with our Adult Social Care colleagues we’ve made the link to the risk of falls from cold homes.
2. A quote from a local GP about the link to cold, homes and respiratory infections. Useful for when weather is not cold (less than 5C)

Download your toolkit today to learn more and start taking action.