Issue - meetings

Report by the Corporate Director of Community Services

Cllr John Thomson presented a report which sought Cabinet approval to develop, undertake and implement an Accredited Provider Scheme with providers of residential care for implementation in April 2011. The scheme would replace the existing ‘Residential Framework’ agreements.

To facilitate this, Cabinet approval was sought to extend by way of exemption, all existing Residential Framework agreements with Wiltshire providers until 31 March 2011. Approval was also sought to continue to use the South West Fair Pricing Tool as a method for ensuring appropriate individual placement costs and value for money and would assist in tailoring more accurately the care package according to need.

Cllr Thomson explained that the proposal would increase the number of suppliers accredited to provide the quality of care required by the Council. It would also help enhance arrangements for supported living as opposed to reliance on providing residential care.

Resolved:

(a)  That Cabinet establish a Residential Care ‘Accredited Provider scheme’ to which existing Wiltshire-based ‘residential care’ providers would be encouraged to apply. This scheme to replace the existing ‘Residential Framework’.

(b)   That in order to allow for the required timeframe to undertake and establish the Accreditation Scheme, an Exemption be granted with regard to the existing Residential Framework Agreements. This exemption is to allow the extension of current agreements until 31 March 2011.

(c)   That delegated authority be given to the Head of Commissioning (Learning disabilities) in ensuring the delivery of this proposal

Reasons for Decision

Although the Council’s focus is on developing the ‘supported living’ model of service provision, it is necessary to ensure that a range of high quality, good value residential care provision is available for those people who need that level of care. Through the Accredited Provider Scheme the Council will look stabilise the local market and to draw into the county some specialist providers that we currently lack. For example for people with autism and complex needs, many of whom currently are placed in out of county placements.

The ‘Accreditation Scheme’ will help to maintain a diverse range of residential care Providers who offer sustainable, responsive, quality services for the identified ‘core’ group of individuals identified above. The Scheme will, therefore, ensure the current and future availability of residential care services in an unstable and reducing market.

The Scheme will allow the Council to manage more effectively the fluctuations within the residential care market.