Purpose

Approval of procuring a Supporting Carers
Service contract to start on 1/4/25. The current service contract
ends 31/3/25.

Content

RESOLVED
 
KEY DECISION
 

 That the Executive:
 

a)     
Agreed to commence an open tender procurement
process for a Supporting Carers Service.
 

b)     
Delegated authority to the Executive Member for
Adults, Health and Wellbeing in consultation with the Executive
Director for Adults, Health Partnerships and Housing, to take any
further decisions and actions required to conclude this procurement
and award the contract.

 
 

 Reason for Recommendations:

 
·      
The recommended approach ensures compliance with the
Care Act 2014 and the council’s statutory duty to provide
assessments for carers and meet their eligible assessed
needs.
·      
A Partnership with NCT ensures Young Carers are
supported equally alongside adult carers and are also supported to
transition into the Adult Carer role seamlessly under one
provision.
·      
That delegated authority to award will ensure the
service start date of 1st April 2025 can be
achieved.

 

Alternative Options
Considered:
 

·    
Officers completed an in-depth options appraisal,
partnership working with WNC was considered, due to the historic
nature of the previous contracts, however, since both Councils have
developed their own Carers Strategies, with slightly differing
priorities, the most advantageous direction for NNC is to procure
its own service, to meet the specific needs to carers living in
North Northamptonshire.

 

·    
Officers have also considered various contract
lengths, to ensure not only stability for carers and Providers, but
also to achieve the most cost-effective way of procuring and
delivering the contract.