Adult Social Care Contributions Policy 2024 - 21. Safeguarding in the financial assessment process

Under sections 42-47 of the Care Act 2014, the Council has a duty to safeguard adults at risk of abuse or neglect, which includes financial abuse. The Financial Assessment and Charging Team will as part of its duties, look for signs of financial abuse. 

When an adult lacks capacity to manage their own finances, there will often be a Deputyship, Lasting Power or Attorney or registered Enduring Power of Attorney in place. The person appointed will have a responsibility to act in the best interests of the adult, and this will be laid down in the Deputyship Order or Power of Attorney document. In these cases, the Council may need to speak to the individual managing the adult’s finances in relation to specific transactions. 

The Council recognises that financial abuse will not occur in most of circumstances but reserves the right to make checks to protect adults from abuse.