Decision details

To approve the award of the following uplifts for the financial year 2025/2026.
Contract Type - Confirmed Award 2025/26
GLA 2023 (Supported Living) - 5.37%
GLA 2023 Residential - 3.5%
Sleeping night - 5.37%
Living my Life Framework (Day Care) - 0.00%
Spot - 0.00%
HTLAH - 1.50%
WHCFF - 5.37%
RCH alliance/framework - 3.5%

In approaching decision making about uplifts to contractual arrangements for Care Home and Domiciliary Care on behalf of Wiltshire Council I have considered with my Director for Commissioning and the Corporate Leadership Team a series of factors.
Consultation: I am aware that the Director of Commissioning consulted with providers on the 18 December 2024 where an initial offer of 2.5% for Care Homes and 3% for Domiciliary Care was made. This was rejected by providers. It was made clear to providers what the purpose of the consultation was. This is evidenced by several of them providing additional information to us to consider (see below). I am aware that a further consultation meeting took place between the Director of Commissioning and the Wiltshire Care Partnership (she is a member of the WCP board), to discuss uplifts on 22 January 2025. I took the comments at the consultation meetings into account.
Cost of Care: Several providers gave the Director of Commissioning details of their additional costs following changes to National Insurance (NI) and the National Living Wage (NLW). I considered that information.
Sustainability of the market: Wiltshire Care Partnership, the overarching care provider organisation, did a piece of work on the sustainability of the local care market. I considered that information.
Public Sector Equality Duty: I considered in coming to a final decision on uplifts, the needs and potential discriminatory impact on disabled and elderly care home residents and other elderly Wiltshire residents.
Contractual terms: I considered the contractual terms relevant to this decision.
Fair and reasonable fees: I considered what would represent a fair and reasonable uplift for providers allowing them to deliver quality care and remain financially viable. I was mindful of what I believe is Wiltshire Council’s comparative position in the national care market, which I consider to be at or near the top of care costs.
Decision: I decided that following uplifts would be applied following discussions with the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT):
Contract Type - Confirmed Award 2025/26
GLA 2023 (Supported Living) - 5.37%
GLA 2023 Residential - 3.5%
Sleeping night - 5.37%
Living my Life Framework (Day Care) - 0.00%
Spot - 0.00%
HTLAH - 1.50%
WHCFF - 5.37%
RCH alliance/framework - 3.5%
I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution:
Key decision requirements - Yes
Views of relevant Cabinet member(s), Committee Chairman, Area board(s) - Yes
Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers) - Yes (Leader and Cabinet)
Consultation in accordance with the council’s consultation guidance and the views emanating from that process - Yes
Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure - Yes
Staffing, financial and legal implications - Yes
The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the Council’s risk management strategy - Yes
Involvement of appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate directors and directors - Yes I am the DASS. I consulted the Chief Executive, Section 151 Officer and Monitoring Officer, all of whom are on CLT.
Regional or national guidance from other bodies where relevant - Yes I am aware of the Council’s comparative councils regionally and nationally
The council’s constitution, including the Procurement and Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant guidance, legislation, codes of practice, and protocols - Yes

Please see paragraph "Consultation" stating that other offers that were discussed with providers but rejected as they did not provide the financial security that providers were hoping to achieve.
Having reviewed all relevant information, as decision maker, I amended the uplift made to providers.