Decision details

The Deputy Leader in consultation with the Executive Director for People’s Services approves

1. Appendix A and B is not for publication on the basis that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) as set out in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

2. A direct award to the preferred provider for the provision of Telecare services from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026 with the option to extend for a further one year.

3. The spot purchasing of minor adaptations with the preferred provider from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026.

Local authorities have a statutory duty under various legislation including the Care Act 2014, and the Children and Families Act 2014, to make arrangements for the provision of disability aids and “community equipment”, to meet the assessed eligible needs of individuals who are resident in their area.

The provision of community equipment supports residents to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible and is both a statutory requirement and important in delivering key strategic system priorities to support hospital discharge and prevention.

The recommendations within this paper seek to sustain the delivery of this service, ensuring continuity of provision whilst a new service is mobilised.

The Council is required to secure alternative provision. Not doing so, would result in failure to deliver statutory services.

Officers considered delivering provision as an in-house service, however there are significant challenges in relation to this. However, we do not have the capacity to deliver the urgent requirements of this service from 1^st August 2025. It is highly complex and would pose a significant risk to the safety of residents and patients in the delivery of these statutory services.

Officers explored the most appropriate procurement options on a pan-London, regional and local basis to secure the continuity of provision.

Telecare

A provider expressed an interest in being able to support the supply, installation, maintenance, repairs and collection of telecare equipment in H&F. The provider has the required expertise to deliver the service and delivers for other London authorities in the region. This was determined the most viable option in the short timeframe. A direct award of 1 year with the option to extend for a further 1 year provides continuity of provision and allows sufficient time to review the operating model of the service and determine the medium-term requirements.

Minor Adaptations

It is anticipated that minor adaptations will be fulfilled once fully operational by the new community equipment provider. In the interim an alternative provider has been identified to fulfil the supply and installation of wall to floor rails, grab rails, floor to floor rails, staircase enclosures, ramps (bespoke), platforms, step adaptations, and thermoplastic line marking. Requirements will be on a spot purchase basis and there will be no guarantee of volume to the provider.