Issue - meetings

     Report by Carolyn Godfrey, Corporate Director

 Councillor Jerry Wickham presented the report which set out a recommissioning plan for those services and sought approval for that plan. The report proposed a plan for the future commissioning of carers’ support in Wiltshire.

Issues highlighted in the course of the presentation and discussion included: that services for carers over 18 and under were contracted separately, and that the Council wanted to be able to have one contact that can be commissioned; the joint funding provided from CCG and Wiltshire Council for services provided; and how mergers between some carers centres have reduced costs.

Resolved

To approve the recommissioning plan for carers’ services set out below:

a)    Approve the exemption of the extension to the current partnership arrangement to March 2018

b)    Approve the commencement of a competitive tender process for a new carers’ support service during 2016-17, ready for implementation 1st April 2018

c)    Delegate authority to award a new contract commencing 1st April 2018 to the Corporate Director for Children's Services and Adults Social Services following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health (including Public Health) and Adult Social Care, the Associate Director, Finance, the Associate Director, Legal and Governance and the Associate Director Corporate Function, Procurement and Programme Office.

Reason for Decision:

The Partnership arrangement with Carers Support Wiltshire has existed since 2010 and has never been tendered. This paper outlines a plan to allow for the recommissioning of the service within two stages.

Stage 1: Continuing with the partnership as it currently stands will enable CSW to continue in their role as an influential partner for carers at a time when we will be embarking on a number of key commissioning initiatives that will directly impact on carer service provision. The partnership arrangement will permit the flexibility required in order to pilot new approaches and embed new service processes prior to embarking upon a full tender activity.

Stage 2: To approve the commissioning of carers support services ready for commencement on 1 April 2018.