Decision details

Proposed Decision

a) AWARD temporary rolling three month contracts, with the option to extend for a further three months on a rolling basis as required depending on the position and longevity of the COVID19 crisis, to all those currently grant aided through the Community Wellbeing Service Offer;

b) DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health and the Corporate Director for Finance, to agree the relevant contract extensions as required; and

c) DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health to take other relevant actions, including but not limited to finalising the terms of and entering into required contracts or other legal agreements, as necessary to implement the decision

Reason for Urgency:

The justification of this action is to ensure the survival of key community-based providers, that will be key to supporting the most vulnerable and isolated residents through the COVID-19 crisis.  If this package of support is not put in place, within 3 months, the majority of these organisations will have to close or cease to exist through a lack of income, or support from the Government.  If the latter were to happen the majority of the support would then fall to Adult Social Care to cope with.

In order to protect and maintain a community response and support for elderly and vulnerable people, these providers need to be secure in their financial footing and be able to pay their staff and run their vital services.  Government financial support packages are not appropriate or available for these providers.

The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly impacted on the provider’s income, due to all their centre closures, while demand for support from those they have supported in the past, along with new referrals, increasing greatly and constantly since the UK Government declared a lockdown.

Background

This decision supports KCC’s Strategic Statement through supporting key providers that deliver services to older and vulnerable residents that will ensure they are safe and supported with choices to live independently. This decision relates to the proposal within the Strategic Delivery Plan of moving organisations from grants to contracts.

Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health agrees to:

a) AWARD temporary rolling three month contracts, with the option to extend for a further three months on a rolling basis as required depending on the position and longevity of the COVID19 crisis, to all those currently grant aided through the Community Wellbeing Service Offer;

b) DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health and the Corporate Director for Finance, to agree the relevant contract extensions as required; and

c) DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Adult Social Care and Health to take other relevant actions, including but not limited to finalising the terms of and entering into required contracts or other legal agreements, as necessary to implement the decision