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 programme.

The Cabinet Member, Health and Wellbeing introduced the report of the Director, Adults Wellbeing, which sought approval of 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.

The Cabinet Member, Health and Wellbeing highlighted the key points of the report:

a.         The council was meeting its commitment to consult service users and carers, and the consultation and engagement process had led to the development of key service principles in the procurement specification.

b.         This included a commitment that the council would resource a process that ensured a full assessment of needs of service users before any changes were implemented. No changes would take place until the service user had had an appropriate assessment of their needs, and a support plan was in place to meet their eligible needs.

c.         In response to a question from Councillor Powers, Councillor Powell confirmed that there were enough potential providers to carry out the proposals, and to ensure that they offered quality at the right price. He explained care costs were higher in Herefordshire than in other areas, but that, while the council sought to control costs, it would always meet its responsibility to meet eligible needs.

d.         In response to a question from Councillor James, Councillor Powell confirmed that eligibility would not change and that every user would be assessed.

RESOLVED:  That the proposals for implementing the approach set out in the report to deliver Day Opportunities Services be approved, and tha the Director for Adult Wellbeing be authorised to proceed to invite tenders for providing Day Opportunities Services based on the principles set out in the report.