Decision details

11.1

The Executive Director, People Services, submitted a report seeking approval from Cabinet to commission a redesigned Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES). In order to do this approval is also sought from Cabinet to award the Director of Finance and Commercial Services in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and the Head of Commissioning (People Services) the authority to take the necessary steps to award the contract and implement the procurement strategy for the redesigned equipment service and for the Director of Adult Services (People Services) in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services to review and agree the pooled budget arrangements for the new service with the Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group.

11.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the re-commissioning of the Integrated Community Equipment Service and delegates authority to the Director of Finance and Commercial Services, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and the Head of Commissioning (People Services) to determine the appropriate procurement strategy for the provision for a redesigned Integrated Community Equipment Service.

(b)

delegates authority to the Director of Finance and Commercial Services in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and the Head of Commissioning (People Services) to award the contract for the Integrated Community Equipment Service in accordance with the procurement strategy: the award of the contract will follow a procurement exercise and conform to the Council’s Contract Standing Orders (CSOs); and

(c)

delegates authority to the Director of Adult Services (People Services), in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services, to review and agree the pooled budget arrangements for the new service with the Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) under the Section 75 Agreement:; the process for the review will need to be agreed by both parties over the coming month. 

11.3

Reasons for Decision

11.3.1

The current contract for the supply and loan of equipment to help people live independently ends in June 2020.  The Council has a statutory duty to undertake the provision of services proposed in this report and there are significant financial and operational efficiencies from having a joint contract with Health.

Service re-design and re-specification will also:

·         Achieve better outcomes and increased value for money

·         Deliver against increasing demand on the service

·         Future-proof the service in light of proposed changes to legislation, guidance and operational requirements

11.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

11.4.1

Do not re-procure: This option is not recommended because the Council has legal duties to provide equipment to people in need as set out in section 4.3 of the report.

11.4.2

Extend the contract with the current provider: It is not possible to extend the contract further, as this would pose a significant risk of legal challenge based upon both the value of the contract and restrictions in the procurement regulations regarding extending contracts.

This option is also not recommended as the Council policy and procedures promote revisiting the market at suitable intervals to ensure we have best value, high quality services.  In addition Commissioners wish to develop the service to achieve a more efficient, effective service, greater value for money and increased impact in the City.

11.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

11.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

11.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

John Macilwraith,, Executive Director, People Services

11.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Healthier Communities and Adult Social Care