To gain agreement to the underpinning principles, the specification, process and transition plans to support the procurement and implementation plan for the day opportunities that are part of the Next Stage Integration (NSI) programme.

THAT:

(a)          The Cabinet agreed to implement the approach as set out in this paper to deliver the Day Opportunities Services currently provided by the Council within the budget for 2014/15 and;

(b)          The Director for Adult Wellbeing be authorised to proceed to invitation to tender for Day Opportunities based on the following principles

1      Existing and potential service users would be assessed for eligible needs based on the Herefordshire Fair Access to Care policy

2      As a result of the assessed eligibility an indicative budget be identified for each service user and plans to meet their needs using this budget was put in place as set out in paragraph 9 of this report

3      Council funded day opportunities are part of meeting individuals eligible need and eligibility was the key criteria for access

4      Access to Day Opportunities services contracted by the council would be available to service users who do not meet the eligibility criteria or are having their needs met via another service, but the service user would have to pay for this service;

(c)          Note the specification for day opportunities would enable delivery of

1      Building/hub based activity particularly for those with complex care requirements, for whom there would need to be access to building based activities and support. The numbers of and location of these buildings would be determined after the new provider had been identified

2      Community based opportunitiesfor people that are likely to have lower level care/support requirements. This group of people are likely, if they have eligible needs, to have some or all of their needs met in ways other than in their  current Day Opportunities provision;

(d)          Note the commitment to continue to consult with Service Users, Staff and Suppliers to ensure a good level of understanding of the reasons for the council’s approach, addressing   concerns where possible and to fulfil the Council’s duty to undertake meaningful consultation;

(e)          Development of a Day Opportunities implementation plan (as part of the NSI Project activities) to include

1      Effective and efficient management of the assessments of the current 255 service users

2      Development of the appropriate Social Care Practice Guidance and support to deliver this strategy

1              At its meeting of July 25^th 2013, Cabinet agreed to the new organisational structure, the procurement process, the development of plans to implement the new service structure and further engagement relating to the transition and commissioning tasks, via service user reference groups and supplier events, to ensure that decisions are informed by service users, carers, staff and providers. This report is the next step in that process.

2              The implementation plan will enable the council to produce a balanced budget for 2013, ensure that all eligible users can take their funding as a direct payment and increase the range of choice within the market  as set out in the Cabinet report of 25th July 2013

3              Continuing with the procurement offers significant value to the credibility of the council with the supplier market, and will increase the flexibility of services to be provided for people to purchase using their own personal budgets.

4              This change in service provision is significant and requires a sound consultation process with service users and carers. Thus far, the consultation and engagement process has led to the development of the key service principles in the procurement specification, and the development of the approach to a membership type process for Canal Road; most significantly, the consultation process has resulted in the council resourcing an implementation process that allows service users a full assessment of their needs before any changes are implemented.

5              No changes will take place until the service user has had an appropriate assessment of their needs and a support plan is in place that will meet their eligible needs.

1              The Council continues to provide the service as it is, and run contrary to the decision made by Cabinet of July 25^th 2013 that agreed to the commissioning of the Day Opportunities Service as part of the new Adult Social Care Model.

2              The Council extends the timetable for implementing the recommissioned Day Opportunities until after the changes to service have been implemented and the numbers needing to use the new services are known.