Removal of discretionary buffer implementation
This information relates to people in receipt of non-residential care and support which started before 16 June 2025.
Previously, Bradford Council’s policy allowed people who use adult social care services at home to keep the basic levels of income support set out by the Government (the Minimum Income Guarantee) plus an additional 25% on top of this. We referred to this as additional 25% as the discretionary buffer.
The decision was made by the Council’s Executive to remove the discretionary buffer in June 2025. We agreed to split any increases to client contribution into two phases.
The first phase of the increase was applied following a new Financial Assessment, Welfare Benefits check and review of Disability Related Expenditure. These Financial Assessments took place between September 2025 and January 2026.
The second phase of the increase will be applied from 6th July 2026. If your client contribution is going to increase in July 2026, you will be notified in May and then will receive confirmation of your new contribution charge in July. Accessible version of communications are available below.
The phase 2 increase to client contributions is separate to any changes for benefit increases and changes to the price of your services which increase annually each April.
You don’t need to do anything at this time. If you have any questions, you can contact us on 01274 436464 or by email at CPCharging.Implementation@bradford.gov.uk