Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: July 22, 2025

Purpose: The Council has a legal responsibility to assess the needs of any resident or Carer living in the borough who appears to have a need for care and support; and to then determine whether those needs are eligible for this provision from the Council, as stipulated in The Care Act (2014).   Home Care is one of the main care and support options provided to meet eligible needs - to enable residents to maintain their independence and quality of life in their own home. This care and support is delivered by local suppliers who are registered with, and inspected by, the Care Quality Commission (CQC).   On the 4 June 2024, Cabinet gave permission to procure a new multi-lot all-age Independent Living Support Service (ILSS) Framework Agreement with an initial term of four years with the option to extend for up to four years in two-year extension periods (maximum term eight years) at an estimated annual value of £31.8m (£254.4m over the eight years, before applying inflation).   The procurement has been completed, and this paper seeks permission to establish the Framework Agreement and appoint suppliers to it.

Content: For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to agree to:   i)  Extend the current purchasing arrangements from the 12 July 2025 to the 6 October 2025 to allow for effective mobilisation and avoid a hiatus in Service for residents as set out at paragraph of this report. ii)  Establish a five Lot, ILSS Framework Agreement, to commence on the 6 October 2025, as detailed in Appendix A. iii)  Delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Adults and Health, in consultation with the Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care to exercise the extensions for the Contracts awarded under each Lot; and additionally iv)  the Corporate Director for Children and Young People’s Services and the Lead Member for Children’s Services and Education in relation to extensions of Lot 3 and Lot 5, Sub Category C. v)  Delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Adults and Health, in consultation with the Lead Member for Health and Adult Social Care to commence procurements and award contracts under each category of Lot 5: Approved Supplier List if and when required.   Alternatives Considered   a)  The Lead Commissioner explored a joint-commissioning approach with neighbouring boroughs; however, they advised that their preference was to have suppliers with local knowledge and a base in their borough, therefore a joint exercise was not of interest. b)  There are no External Business Units currently interested in, or suitable to deliver this Service. Given the value of the Framework, it was necessary for it to be procured in accordance with the PCR.