Key messages for cross-border placements

• The smooth functioning of cross-border arrangements is in the interests of everyone.
• It is important that people with social care needs can move to another cross-border area, confident that as far as possible they will continue to receive the support they need, and that the process of arranging and managing cross-border placements is as clear and straightforward as possible.
• As a general rule, responsibility for individuals who are placed by authorities into cross-border accommodation remains with the placing authority. All authorities are expected to cooperate fully and communicate effectively and proactively.
• Social care and health practitioners should seek appropriate legal advice for detailed queries regarding the application of the law to individual cases.
• The concept of ‘ordinary residence’ is a basis for determining which authority has responsibility for meeting an adult’s social care needs (including non-residential care needs).
• Each of the four UK administrations has issued guidance on determining a person’s ordinary residence.