Decision details

Proposed decision: To extend the current Healthwatch Kent contract for a further two years from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2018 (as per the terms of the original contract) and delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, or other nominated officer, to take the necessary actions to implement the decision.

The decision relates to Corporate Objectives

·         Families and carers of vulnerable and older people have access to the advice, information and support they need

·         Residents have greater choice and control over the health and social care services they receive

·         The health and social care system works together to deliver high quality community services

·         Children and young people have better physical and mental health

Financial Implications: The service will be delivered within the existing budget. It is more cost effective to apply a contract extension to maintain an effective service rather than re-commission.

Legal Implications: Provision of the service is a statutory requirement. Amendments to the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 (as amended) (the 2007 Act) introduced by the Health and Social Care Act 2012 provided the statutory basis for local Healthwatch.

Equality Implications: None

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As Cabinet Member for Education and Health Reform, I agree to:

a)    EXTEND the Healthwatch Kent Contract from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2018, with an optional one year break clause available at the end of year one (31 March 2017); and

b) DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, or other nominated officer, to undertake the necessary actions to implement the decision.