Decision details

RESOLVED: Cabinet approved that:

A.   A new framework for the purchasing of commissioned home care services be introduced from July 2023.

B.   Duration of the framework would be four years with an inclusive option to extend for a further period of 12 months; resulting in a framework for a maximum duration of 5 years

C.   Applicants’ admission to the framework would be determined via competitive tendes.

D.   The existing homecare framework is extended until 01 October 2023 (with a recognition that it will cease before 01 October 2023 to coincide with the commencement of the new framework)

E.   The Executive Director for People Services in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health is authorised to take all operational decisions necessary to implement the above recommendations.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

1.    Entirely insourcing the provision of home care; this is not recommended due to the anticipated significant additional costs.

2.    Partially insourcing the provision of home care for rural packages. This could address the challenge of providing commissioned care in rural areas. This is not recommended; insourcing rural packages would increase the cost of home care. It would also reduce the amount of commissioned care by around 25%. This could undermine the operational and financial viability of providers.

3.    An open approved list could be introduced as an alternative to a closed framework. This is not recommended because this could increase the number of providers with an associated increase in competition for home care packages which would further erode providers’ operational and financial viability.

4.    With the relevant approvals and consent of service providers the current notice period under the existing home care agreement could be extended for a further specified period. This is not recommended: commissioners have been working with providers for a considerable time on the co-produced proposal.