Support for the Individual Service Fund

I would like to request information regarding your support for the Individual Service Fund (ISF) model of personal budgets within the framework of the Care Act 2014 and or shared care agreements of NHS continuing health care CHC. To support your duties under the care act as a local authority.

Specifically, I would be grateful if you could provide the following information:
Policy and Guidance:
1a. Do you have a specific policy, strategy, or guidance document that outlines the Council's approach to the implementation and promotion of Individual Service Funds (ISFs) for personal budgets under the Care Act? If so, please provide a copy or a link to where it can be accessed.

1b.  In addition,  Do you have a specific policy, strategy, or guidance document that outlines the Council's approach for working with shared care agreements for service users who have a shared care agreement between you the local authority and NHS CHC? If so, please provide a copy or a link to where it can be accessed.

1c.  When was these
polices /guidance last reviewed or updated?

Uptake and Usage:
2a. Since its introduction in 2014 what percentage or number of personal budgets arranged by Lincolnshire County Council were managed through an ISF model?

2b.  Compared to other models of personal budget management (e.g., direct payments, council-managed accounts), how does the Council encourage or facilitate the choice of an ISF?
2c.  In addition how many numbers of service users do you have which also use nhs continuing healthcare funding in a shared care package

Training and Support:
3a. What training or resources does the Council provide to its staff (e.g., social workers, care managers) regarding the ISF model and its benefits/implementation?
3b. What support or information does the Council offer to individuals, families, and third-party organisations (e.g., care providers, brokers) who wish to explore or utilise an ISF?
Challenges and Successes:
4a. Has the Council identified any significant challenges in the implementation or scaling of the ISF model? If so, what are they?
4b. Can you provide any examples or anonymised case studies that highlight successful outcomes achieved using ISFs in the area? (If such information is routinely collected and can be provided without identifying individuals).

4c. If any of the requested information is not held in the precise format requested, but is held in a different, accessible format, please provide it.

1a. We appreciate your interest in how we are working to meet our duties under the Care Act and improve outcomes for people in Lincolnshire.

At present, Lincolnshire County Council does not have an Individual Service Fund (ISF) model in place as part of our personal budget offer. While we are committed to personalisation and co-production in line with the Care Act, ISFs are not currently implemented within our local framework.

With regard to shared care agreements for NHS CHC, these are managed through local NHS protocols. While the Council works in partnership with NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), shared care agreements are typically developed and maintained by NHS services.

1b.  Lincolnshire County Council does not have a standalone policy or strategy document specifically outlining our approach to shared care agreements between the Council and NHS CHC. However, our practice is guided by the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-Funded Nursing Care (July 2022, revised), and we work closely with the Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) to ensure a person-centered, coordinated approach to care planning and funding responsibilities. Further information on our local processes and guidance for practitioners can be found in the Adult Care Procedures and Practice Guidance hosted on the Lincolnshire Adults’ tri.x site: (NHS Continuing Healthcare – Lincolnshire Adult Care Practice Guidance)(https://lincolnshireadults.trixonline.co.uk/chapter/nhs-continuing-healthcare)

1c.  The most recent update to Lincolnshire County Council’s guidance on NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) was made in August 2025. This update is part of the broader CHC guidance hosted on the Lincolnshire Adult Care tri.x platform, which aligns with the National Framework for NHS Continuing Healthcare and NHS-Funded Nursing Care (July 2022, revised). The guidance is regularly reviewed to reflect national policy changes and local practice developments.

Uptake and Usage:
2a.  Not applicable.

2b.   Not applicable.

2c.   Jointly funded care packages(NHS CHC and Lincolnshire County Council ) = 116

Training and Support:
3a. Not applicable.

3b. Not applicable.

Challenges and Successes:
4a. Not applicable.

4b. Not applicable.

4c. Not applicable.