Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 08/09/2026
Decision due: Not before 7th Oct 2026 by Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care
Lead director: Helen Woodland
Department: Social Care, Health & Wellbeing
Financial implications: The proposed cost of recommissioning the Mental Health Assessment Service is currently £416k per annum. The contract will be let for an initial three year term, with the option to extend for a further 2+2 years. The estimated maximum value over the lifetime of the contract is approximately £2.9m. The funding for this service will come from the budget managed within Adult Social Care and Health (ASCH) DoLS Service. Through the price evaluation in the procurement process we will seek to ensure best value for the council and a sustainable rate for the service.
Legal implications: Please see information above
Equalities implications: Equalities implications Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA): A full Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) was completed and formally signed off by the EqIA Lead in July 2026. It confirmed that the new service model is designed to promote equity of access, ensure fairness in placement decisions, and address any potential disparities in service delivery across different localities in Kent. Data Protection implications A full Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) has been completed. The DPIA process has helped identify potential privacy risks linked to the recommissioning of the Mental Health assessment service, particularly around the management of the special category data. Appropriate mitigations and safeguards are being incorporated into the design of the new commissioning model to ensure compliance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018