Agenda item

Sharon Wilcock, Senior Commissioner, and Akua Agyepong, Assistant Director - Adult Social Care and Health, were in attendance for this item. 

1. Sharon Wilcock introduced the item and highlighted the intention to award a contract to the preferred bidder so that the service to be embedded by March 2024 when the current contract ends. It was noted that they were at the midpoint of the procurement process and a preferred bidder had yet to be identified. It was said the aim was to award the contract in early November 2023, to allow for 4 months of mobilisation time.    
2. In response to comments and questions from Members, it was said:

(a) Asked why the committee had not been given more notice as it was too late to provide any meaningful input on the process. Mr Smith said it was not the intention but had to do with the timing of the cycle of committee meetings. It was noted that if it was brought to the following meeting it could lead to a delay. 

(b) A Member asked if there was anything in the contract that targets recycling, it had been reported that residents struggled to have their equipment re-used or donated. Ms Agyapong said that information on the recycling points would be shared. It was noted there may need to be an awareness campaign on this. Ms Wilcock said that there would be recycling targets in the new model. A concern was raised that many of these recycling sites were only accessible if you had a vehicle, it was said this would be taken away and considered.   

(c) It was asked that arrangements be made to ensure that Members were more actively involved when contracts were due to expire. 

(d) Mr Watkins outlined some of the benefits of the new model of service and thanked officers for their work. It was noted that an effort should be made to recycle and re-use all equipment where possible even if credit was not given for doing so.   

(e) A Member raised concern that the contract would allow more economically advantaged residents to purchase equipment that was not otherwise available to those with limited financial means. Ms Wilcock said no this would not occur. It was said that during co-production it was found that many people wished to purchase their own equipment but did not know how to do so under the new contract they would receive support to do this in a safe manner, but it would not be charged extra. Residents could purchase equipment by themselves, but this was not recommended as it may not match their needs. The Member requested reassurance that self-purchase would not replace the requirement that the Council deliver the assessment and the equipment within the first 6 weeks without charge. Ms Wilcock said there would be no reduction to the current level of service. Ms Agyapong said the choice was always based on need and people would not be left to independently select. The consultation highlighted a need that people needed to be supported to select equipment that was right for the support they required. It was said that this would not create a two-tier system.  

(f) It was said that the equality impact assessment noted the negative impact for those who could not get online and a negative impact for those from ethnic minorities. A Member asked for greater clarity on the mitigations in place. Ms Agyepong said that no one would be left alone to make choices and there would be support provided for all users accessing services. It was noted that outreach work was ongoing with several communities and groups to raise awareness about the support available to them. It was said that the work that Healthwatch had done to reach out to BAME groups had been nominated for a national award.  

3.    RESOLVED The Adult Social Care Cabinet Committee agreed to the recommendations as outlined in the report.