Decision details

This report requests approval to award a contract for the provision of day services to Alzheimer's Society at St Vincent's House Day Centre.

1. The Executive Director of People’s Services in consultation with the Deputy Leader (formally deputising for the Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care)approves the direct award to Alzheimer’s Society for the provision of day services at St Vincent’s from 1^st May 2025-31^st August 2026 for the cost of £402,034.45.

1.    Under the Care Act 2014 local authorities have a statutory duty to provide care and support to those with eligible needs. Day centres like Alzheimer’s Society play a crucial role in fulfilling this duty.

2.    Alzheimer’s Society is a popular service with residents averaging 100% daily capacity (16/16 spaces). Through feedback collected in 2023/24 the residents, carers and families said they were very happy with the services and complimentary about staff. The team won the ‘compassionate award’ from Alzheimer’s Society in 2022 for their work during the pandemic, which included visits to residents doors.

3.    The day centre shares St Vincent’s building with the Memory Clinic and Care UK’s dementia care home. This ensures a seamless transition from diagnosis to ongoing care and support for residents with dementia. A direct award will ensure continuity of service, avoiding disruptions that could negatively impact residents with dementia.

4.    A review of day opportunities will be undertaken to understand the current offer and gaps in services to support our most vulnerable residents. The review will align all day opportunities contracts and redesign the wider offer to ensure the best possible use of resources to meet the needs of adults in our communities. A direct award of 16 months is needed while re-procurement takes place.

1.    Option1- direct award a contract to the incumbent provider for the provision of day services at St Vincent’s for 16 months- recommended

This option is recommended.

2.    Option 2- go out to procurement immediately- not recommended

This option is not recommended as the contract would lapse while a procurement is undertaken.

3.    Option 3- do nothing- not recommended

This option is not recommended as it would allow the contract to lapse, resulting in the Council not being able to meet its statutory duties or potentially using high-cost out-of-borough provision to do so.