Decision
URL: https://milton-keynes.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2011
Decision Maker: Council
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: RESOLVED: 1. This Council notes that: a) Milton Keynes City Council’s Adult Social Care services were ranked among the top ten performing local authorities for the quality of care provided following the recent inspection by the Care Quality Commission (CQC); b) home care workers provide essential support to vulnerable residents, helping people remain independent and reducing pressure on hospitals; c) travel time between visits is a recognised challenge within the sector and can impact workforce stability and continuity of care for residents; d) the UNISON Ethical Care Charter states that home care workers should be paid for their travel time, travel costs and other necessary expenses such as mobile phones; and e) Milton Keynes City Council’s commissioning terms and conditions require home care providers delivering services on behalf of the Council to reflect the provisions of the UNISON Ethical Care Charter. 2. This Council believes that: a) maintaining high-quality care standards requires a fairly treated and properly supported workforce; and b) supporting professional development and recognised qualifications for care workers can strengthen recruitment, retention and quality of care provided. 3. This Council resolves to ask that: a) the Housing, Health and Adults Scrutiny Committee, as part of its work programme, consider an item about how travel time and travel costs are treated within commissioned home care contracts and how providers demonstrate compliance with the Council’s commissioning standards; and b) the Executive to explore how the Council can support professional development and recognised qualifications for care workers in Milton Keynes to improve retention, quality of care and to maintain high standards of care.
Date of Decision: March 18, 2026