Purpose

Brief Description

The matter for decision will be whether to sustain the day care service provided by MHA (Methodist Homes) at Bay Tree Resource Centre, by Direct Award of a further contract from April 2026; alongside measures to improve timely access, and occupancy.

Dementia is a condition which causes cognitive, communication and other disabilities; therefore everyone attending the centre has at least one protected characteristic under the Equality Act.

Impact On Wards

The service is located in Alwoodley Ward. People who currently attend the centre live in nine wards across north and east Leeds: Alwoodley, Chapel Allerton, Crossgates & Whinmoor, Gipton & Harehills, Horsforth, Killingbeck & Seacroft, Kirkstall, Moortown, Roundhay.

Financial and procurement implications

The current contract price is £185,790pa, so any contract period which, including extension options, could potentially last for three or more years, would exceed the threshold for a Key Decision.

There is allocated budget for this service. Sustaining the service, on a further contract from April 2026, would not require new budget to be identified; but neither would it contribute to budget reductions.

The premises at Bay Tree Resource Centre are owned by MHA and are purpose-built for day care for people with dementia. Previous contracts have been made by Direct Award.

Partnership working

The Service Review has involved engagement with external colleagues from the Alzheimers Society, Carers Leeds; internal colleagues in Adults & Health social work and care delivery services, and Passenger Transport; and elected members.

Decision

The Director of Adults and Health gave approval:-(MHA) for the provision of support and personal day care services for people living with dementia, to sustain the service provision at Bay Tree Resource Centre. The contract to start on 1st April 2026 for a 12 month term ending 31 March 2027, at an annual value of £185,790 for 50 day care places per week, with options to extend for up to a maximum period of 48 months in any combination. This brings the total potential contract value to £928,950.

a)  For the contract to be awarded by Direct Award, under the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023, Schedule 5, paragraph 6.

b)  For the Commissioning Programme Lead, Dementia, to lead the design of a “Trusted Assessor” process, as a method of allocating Council-funded day care places.  This will involve MHA employees, principally the manager of Bay Tree Resource Centre, in carrying out a visit and needs assessment of the person living with dementia and carer(s); and bringing proposed allocations to the designated Council manager(s) for agreement, and for referral for financial assessment.

c)  For the Commissioning Programme Lead, Dementia, to lead the evaluation of the contract after a six-month period, to make recommendations regarding contract extension options from April 2027.