Decision

The Director of Adults, Health, and Strategic
Commissioning (DASS) has decided to approve the award of a contract
to Age UK for advice and information services to align with the
current Early Intervention and Prevention contract with effect from
27 October 2025 until 1 March 2027 at a total cost of
£233,332.

Reasons for the decision

This change aims to create a more cohesive and
streamlined approach, improving Wirral’s Adult Social Care
Access & Intervention Hub by integrating Early Intervention and
Prevention (EIP) services with Age UK Wirral, Liverpool, and
Sefton. The goal is to deliver a more joined-up, timely, and
positive experience for residents, reduce demand on council
services, and promote self-help and independence.
This will help:
•Support people who don’t meet eligibility criteria
under the Care Act or are on the cusp of eligibility under the Care
Act but still need help with advice and information.
•Provide early support to prevent problems from getting
worse.
•Support Hospital Flow and reduction of people not meeting the
criteria to reside, working where needed with the transfer of care
hub.
This links in with the existing and current Early Intervention and
Prevention contract currently delivered by Age UK as part of a
Community Interest Company Offer. This is the most effective and
efficient way to delivery this service option.

Alternative options considered

Not deliver a Voluntary, Community and Faith
(VCF) sector offer to support the new access and intervention hub.
This would leave a potential gap for individuals who are not
eligible for statutory services, as they may have fewer options for
being directed to appropriate support.