Availability Requirements - Section 8

34  Section 8.2 of SoPC provides guidance on defining Unavailability.  Whilst defining Unavailability for a new social care facility is relatively straightforward, it can be more complex when existing facilities are to be refurbished.  This is not covered by the Model Contract or the Model Payment Mechanism.

35  Section 8.4 of SoPC provides guidance on Availability and the weighting of critical areas.  Where certain areas of the social care facilities are inter-related, both areas would be deemed to be Unavailable if one of these areas was Unavailable.  This is covered by the Model Payment Mechanism.

36  Section 8.8 of SoPC refers to areas which are Unavailable but Used.  The concept of Unavailable but Used is covered by the Model Payment Mechanism.