To approve an extension of the existing commissioned home care frameworks until 30 April 2027, with an option for the council to extend for up to a further four months, until 31 August 2027. This will ensure continuity of care to those with assessed eligible needs, maintaining stability in a pressured provider market, and enable transition to a new and different commissioning approach (Care in Your Home). This will provide a stronger framework and service, that is fit and robust for Herefordshire’s future ageing population needs. The new approach will be set out and approval sought through council governance (see point 5) and the programme is progressing in line with the target timescales.

That:

a) Approval is granted for an extension of the existing home care framework arrangements to 30 April 2027, with an option for the council to extend for up to a further four months until 31 August 2027;

b) Delegated authority be granted to the Corporate Director Community Wellbeing to implement the extensions and associated contractual arrangements to support the transition to the Care in Your Home (CIYH) commissioning approach planned for implementation from 1 May 2027

1.     Do not extend the existing home care frameworks and allow the current arrangements to expire

This option would involve concluding the current frameworks at their scheduled end date of 31 October 2026 and either ceasing current service delivery or moving to temporary alternative arrangements until the new CIYH approach is in place from 1 May 2027 (and no later than 1 September 2027).

This option is not recommended, as it presents unacceptable risk to approximately 834 service users currently in receipt of home care services. It could also potentially lead to market instability, due to lack of contractual certainty, along with higher costs from temporary purchasing arrangements. It could also impact on the council’s ability to meet its statutory duties under the Care Act 2014 and will not provide a safe or controlled transition to the new CIYH approach.

2.     Proceed directly to procurement and implementation of the new Care in Your Home approach without extending the current frameworks

This option is not recommended, as sufficient time is required to fully research, scope and develop the new CIYH approach, in order to ensure the council has a long term sustainable home care service to support the needs of its residents, both now and in the future.

3.     Extend the current frameworks for a longer period

This option would provide a longer extension to existing arrangements beyond the proposed period. This option is not recommended, as a longer extension would delay the required implementation of the CIYH approach and may not satisfy the proposed extension justification pursuant to the Public Contract Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015). The proposed extension provides sufficient time to support the development and implementation of CIYH.