To approve the tender for a new home care framework which will commence from 1 November 2021 due to the cessation of the current framework. This will ensure high quality providers support the eligible needs of adults to remain safe and independent in their own home.

The cabinet member for health and adult wellbeing introduced the report.

The head of care commissioning presented the report, the details of which are set out in the agenda pack.

In discussion of the report, the cabinet members noted that:

·        There had been consultation with the smaller care providers.  None had indicated that these new arrangements would impact on their business.  These businesses did have a large numbers of self funders so the council was not their primary contract.   

·        There were safeguards are in place to ensure that customers’ eligible needs are met.

·        Technology enabled living was not about replacing carers, but was to complement the customers’ needs.   The technology would be for the carer as well as those receiving care.

Group Leaders and representatives were invited to present their views and queries from their group.  It was noted that the new commissioning arrangements were welcomed.

The adults and wellbeing scrutiny committee had scrutinised the arrangements.  The committee had noted and praised the directorate for their engagement with the providers.   It was noted that all the scrutiny committee recommendations had been accepted by cabinet.   It was further noted that a self-funders’ action plan would be forthcoming.

Resolved that:

a)         A framework for the purchasing of commissioned home care services be introduced from 1 November 2021;

b)        The duration of the framework will be four years with the option to extend for a further 12 months;

c)         Applicants admission to the framework will be determined via competitive tender;

d)        The director for adults and communities is authorised to take all operational decisions necessary to implement the above recommendations.

e)         That cabinet approves the response to the scrutiny recommendations in Appendix 2

To consider the proposed home care framework and make recommendations as appropriate.

The assistant director all ages commissioning outlined the arrangements for purchasing commissioned home care through an approved list of providers and the purpose of the review that had been undertaken by a project board.  It was noted that an all member briefing had been held on 26 April 2021 and the new arrangements were due to be considered by cabinet on 24 June 2021.

The cabinet member for health and adults wellbeing commented on the statutory duties under the Care Act 2014, the need for alternative arrangements to be in place on the cessation of a notice period of the current arrangements on 31 October 2021, home care helped residents to remain in their own homes and the services were highly valued by clients and their families, and the proposed new arrangements were the result of extensive co-production with service providers and stakeholders.

The chairperson invited questions and comments from committee members, the principal points of the discussion are summarised below.

1.            It was suggested that there was a need for flexibility in home care visit lengths, particularly as some clients might be experiencing mental health issues arising from the Covid pandemic.

2.            Attention was drawn to the difference in the number of hours purchased per week for urban and rural areas (agenda page 28, ‘Market summary’).

3.            It was questioned how the authority monitored the work being delivered by providers. 

The assistant director all ages commissioning outlined the requirement to be registered with the Care Quality Commission, the obligation to use a call monitoring system, and the work of the quality assurance team within the council.  The assistant director for adult social care operations also advised the committee about the reviews undertaken to ensure compliance with the Care Act. 

In response to a further question, the assistant director for adult social care operations outlined how feedback and complaints from clients were managed.  The senior commissioning officer added that the directorate was working with Healthwatch and the Making It Real Board to devise more proactive and innovative ways to reach out to clients and to involve them in the future development of services.

4.            The chairperson commented on the need to consider the market as a whole and the potential for the council to undertake a brokerage role with the self-funding cohort.

The head of care commissioning, referencing the Market Position Statement (MPS), commented on the work that was being undertaken to support the market in its entirety which would be embedded in the service specification, and on discussions around ensuring that people had the right information and advice at the right time.

5.            The chairperson, noting some of the difficulties in delivering services in rural areas, questioned how innovations or technologies might be utilised to address locality challenges, potentially including the home share concept. 

The head of care commissioning commented that: the proposed re-modelled provision was about ensuring sustainability; technologies were being trialled to ascertain how they could support individuals in their homes; the intention was to work with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7