Agenda item

9.1

The Executive Director, People submitted a report highlighting the importance of good quality Homecare and Supported Living to many of Sheffield’s most vulnerable residents and seeking authority to proceed with the procurement of Home Care and Supported Living services and subsequent awarding of contracts.

9.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

notes plans to ensure that both Homecare and Supported Living are commissioned to provide positive outcomes and sustainable quality at best value for the people of Sheffield;

(b)

approves the procurement strategy outlined in the report;

(c)

delegates authority to the Director of Adult Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services, to award the contracts for Home Care and Supported Living; and

(d)

delegates authority to the Director of Adult Services, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and the Director of Finance and Commercial Services, as appropriate, to take all other necessary steps not covered by existing delegations to achieve the outcomes outlined in the report.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

Nationally the Home Care market is fragile and some major national Home Care providers are leaving the market – particularly in the north of England. Home Care providers are citing low fees, difficult trading conditions, and challenges with recruitment as the primary reasons for their exit. However, Sheffield City Council has offered increased rates for homecare providers in 2017-18 and all but two of 29 providers have accepted these rates. This provides a stronger foundation for the development of homecare in Sheffield than has been in place in recent years.

9.3.2

If quality and supply of Home Care and Supported Living are not sustainable there are obviously direct consequences for Sheffield’s citizens. This is not only in relation to poor customer experience. For example, insufficient homecare supply can result in older people staying in hospital longer than they need to, creating significant pressures for others around access to emergency treatment and also risking worse longer term outcomes for themselves.

9.3.3

There are clear standards for practice in this area which will help deliver services of a sustainable quality. Some have a cost implication but others can be delivered through improved commissioning practice including more collaborative and supportive market relationships.  For example, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published national guidance on Homecare Standards in June 2016. UNISON’s Ethical Homecare Charter provides a framework for improving quality. The principles within both the NICE guidance and the Ethical Homecare Charter will be contained within the Council’s proposed approach to procurement.

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

Discontinuing support in these areas is not an option. These services are required to fulfil the Council’s functions and duties under the Care Act 2014.

9.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

9.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

N/A

9.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Jayne Ludlam, Executive Director, People

9.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Healthier Communities and Adult Social Care

9.1

The Executive Director, People submitted a report highlighting the importance of good quality Homecare and Supported Living to many of Sheffield’s most vulnerable residents and seeking authority to proceed with the procurement of Home Care and Supported Living services and subsequent awarding of contracts.

9.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

notes plans to ensure that both Homecare and Supported Living are commissioned to provide positive outcomes and sustainable quality at best value for the people of Sheffield;

(b)

approves the procurement strategy outlined in the report;

(c)

delegates authority to the Director of Adult Services, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services, to award the contracts for Home Care and Supported Living; and

(d)

delegates authority to the Director of Adult Services, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance and the Director of Finance and Commercial Services, as appropriate, to take all other necessary steps not covered by existing delegations to achieve the outcomes outlined in the report.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

Nationally the Home Care market is fragile and some major national Home Care providers are leaving the market – particularly in the north of England. Home Care providers are citing low fees, difficult trading conditions, and challenges with recruitment as the primary reasons for their exit. However, Sheffield City Council has offered increased rates for homecare providers in 2017-18 and all but two of 29 providers have accepted these rates. This provides a stronger foundation for the development of homecare in Sheffield than has been in place in recent years.

9.3.2

If quality and supply of Home Care and Supported Living are not sustainable there are obviously direct consequences for Sheffield’s citizens. This is not only in relation to poor customer experience. For example, insufficient homecare supply can result in older people staying in hospital longer than they need to, creating significant pressures for others around access to emergency treatment and also risking worse longer term outcomes for themselves.

9.3.3

There are clear standards for practice in this area which will help deliver services of a sustainable quality. Some have a cost implication but others can be delivered through improved commissioning practice including more collaborative and supportive market relationships.  For example, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published national guidance on Homecare Standards in June 2016. UNISON’s Ethical Homecare Charter provides a framework for improving quality. The principles within both the NICE guidance and the Ethical Homecare Charter will be contained within the Council’s proposed approach to procurement.

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

Discontinuing support in these areas is not an option. These services are required to fulfil the Council’s functions and duties under the Care Act 2014.