Agenda item

This report has one appendix which contains information exempt within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and are not for publication. The appendix has therefore been circulated to Cabinet Members only.

Any discussions on the contents of an exempt appendix will require Cabinet to pass the proposed resolution identified at the end of the agenda to exclude members of the public and the press the proceedings for that discussion.

1.    Cabinet to approve the procurement strategy set out here. The contracts will be awarded for five years, with the option to extend for another two years. The financial implications are set out in exempt Appendix A.

2.    Notes that Appendix A is not for publication on the basis that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that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).

Councillor Ben Coleman stated that since 2015 the Council was providing home care in the borough for free at the point of need, being the only Council in the country to do so. The Council was also committed to supporting residents with independent living, enabling them to live their lives with greater control. This report was seeking agreement for the procurement of a newly named Home Care and Independent Living service. The aim was to provide a range of care at home to support independent living and improves on the quality of the service residents currently received. It was extremely important to attract and keep an excellent workforce to keep consistent good quality of care.

Councillor Adronie Alford asked whether there would be a monitoring process to control quality of care.

Councillor Ben Coleman replied that currently they were being monitored through a vigorous performance management and with the various new providers there would be continuous strong measures of the quality of care provided. This was one of the key Council’s priorities.

AGREED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE CABINET MEMBERS:

1.    Cabinet to approve the procurement strategy set out here. The contracts will be awarded for five years, with the option to extend for another two years. The financial implications are set out in exempt Appendix A.

2.    Notes that Appendix A is not for publication on the basis that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that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).