The Delegated Decisions by Cabinet Member for Adults meeting is scheduled to discuss proposals for new contracts and extensions to existing frameworks for adult social care services. Key decisions are expected regarding a new Safe Space Host Provider contract, extensions to the Care Home Framework , and the Live Well at Home Framework .

Safe Space Host Provider Contract

A report is scheduled for discussion regarding the procurement of a new Safe Space Host Provider contract. This contract is described as a key part of Oxfordshire's local offer for adults with a learning disability and autistic adults who require additional support to remain safe in the community. The proposed service aims to provide outreach, planned visits, and short stays, linked to the Dynamic Support Register governance, to prevent escalation of needs and potential hospital admissions. The report outlines recommendations to tender this contract through a mini-competition using the Council's Live Well Supported Services Framework Lot 2. Authority would be delegated to the Director of Adult Social Care to award and enter into the contract. Additionally, the report details proposals to vary the existing Section 75 Agreement between Oxfordshire County Council and Thames Valley Integrated Care Board to formalise partner funding and governance arrangements. The report also notes that local government reorganisation is a managed dependency that will be addressed during the planning stages.

Care Home Framework Extension

The meeting is set to consider the extension of the Care Home (Light Touch) Framework and associated Short Stay Hub Bed call-off contracts. The Care Home Framework is a joint initiative between the Council and the Integrated Care Board, providing a route for sourcing residential and nursing care home placements for adults with assessed needs. The report recommends approving the extension of this framework and the Short Stay Hub Bed contracts to 30 June 2029. The rationale for the extension includes the framework's effective operation, provision of continuity, and value for money, while also avoiding a major procurement exercise during the period of Local Government Reorganisation. The report highlights that the framework has supported timely access to care home placements, including for those being discharged from hospital and individuals with complex needs.

Live Well at Home Framework Extension

A report is scheduled for discussion concerning the extension of the current Live Well at Home (LWAH) framework. This framework is used to source domiciliary care and reablement services, which assist individuals returning home from hospital, those requiring long-term home care, and reablement services to regain independence. The current framework is set to expire on 31 March 2027, with an available contractual extension to 31 March 2028. The report notes that a previous decision in June 2026 approved the procurement of a new Staying Well at Home (SWAH) framework. However, due to the Government's Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) decision for Oxfordshire, the SWAH procurement has been paused to allow for a review of its implications on future service design, demand, and provider capacity. The proposed extension of the LWAH framework is presented as a measure to maintain continuity of care and ensure lawful sourcing of services beyond March 2027 while this review is completed. The report also recommends approving the commencement of the SWAH procurement process with a revised timetable, with the award of the framework agreement to be delegated to the Director of Adult Social Care.