The Adult Care and Health Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee of Bromley Council discussed several significant issues on Tuesday 18 June 2024, including budget monitoring, the procurement of domiciliary care services, and updates on adult social care initiatives. Key decisions were made regarding the procurement of new providers for domiciliary care and the award of a residential home care block contract.

Budget Monitoring 2023/24 Q3

The committee reviewed the budget monitoring report for the third quarter of the 2023/24 financial year. The Head of Finance for Adults, Health and Housing reported a projected overspend of £1.9 million on the controllable budget, an increase from the previous quarter. The main areas of concern included an overspend on the Community Equipment contract and increased costs in domiciliary care due to more complex care needs. The committee recommended that the Portfolio Holder note the projected overspend.

Procurement of Domiciliary Care Providers

The committee discussed the need to replenish the domiciliary care patch arrangements. The current contracts, awarded in June 2021, have seen mixed performance, with two of the four patches delivering well. The Integrated Commissioning Service proposed to procure up to five new patch providers to replace those unable to meet contract terms. The committee recommended that the Executive approve this procurement to ensure continued service delivery.

Residential Home Care Block Contract

A report was presented seeking approval for a residential home care block contract for 20 beds in Bromley. This contract aims to secure more in-borough residential care provision and achieve financial savings through reduced purchasing rates. The proposed provider has a 'good' rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The committee recommended that the Executive approve the award of this contract, with the option to extend for up to two additional years.

Adult Mental Health Recovery and Rehabilitation Support@Home Service

The committee considered a report on the Support@Home service contract, which aims to support mental health service users in transitioning from hospital and residential care to more independent living arrangements. The current contracts expire in September 2024, and the new service is set to commence on 1 October 2024. The committee recommended that the Executive approve the award of this contract, with options to extend based on performance.

Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) Upgrade for Carelink Service

The committee reviewed a report on the upgrade of the Carelink Service in response to the upcoming closure of the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) in December 2025. The upgrade involves transitioning to a digital network to ensure continued support for vulnerable residents. The committee recommended that the Executive approve the necessary capital funds and procurement plans for this upgrade.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the Minutes of the meeting.