Decision details

8.1

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Adult Health and Social Care seeking approval to commission the delivery of care and support services for adults who have a disability. It is proposed to commission a Working Age Framework to include Supported Living, Activities Outside the Home (day services) and Short Breaks/Respite services.

The current Supported Living Framework is due to expire in March 2023 and commissioning provides us with an opportunity to make changes that will enable a more sustainable and flexible suite of services to meet people’s needs and to incorporate Supported Living, Day Services and Respite services into a new Working Age Framework.

The report also highlighted the risks faced by Sheffield City Council regarding its statutory duty, under the Care Act, to provide an effective and efficient market for the delivery of services to people with disabilities.

8.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Adult Health and Social Care Policy Committee:-

(a) approves the commissioning of the Supported Living Service (which includes Supported Living, Short Breaks/Respite and Day Services provision for Working Age Adults) by way of a Framework/Dynamic Purchasing System with a term of 10 years and an estimated value of £500m, as set out in the report; and

(b) notes and endorses the South Yorkshire Market Position Statement – Housing with Support for People with a Learning Disability and/or Autism (at Appendix 1 of the report).

8.3

Reasons for Decision

The recommended option will deliver the following outcomes:-

• The Council can meet its statutory duties under the Care Act 2014.
• Individuals who have assessed eligible social care needs because of their disabilities and long-term health conditions will be supported.
• The market will be stabilised and diversified, with increased provision to meet the needs of the cohort.
• The Council can be assured of the quality of the provision it has commissioned.
• Individuals will have access to support that is appropriate, meets their wishes and is delivered in a timely manner
• Individuals will meet their outcomes as set out in the Support Plans
• Individuals will be supported to live as independently as possible within the community with appropriate support.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

Option One: ‘Do Nothing’

This is not an option. The current framework for supported living is due to end in April 2023 and cannot be extended beyond this time.

If the current arrangement for the day activities remains in place, the Council has limited options to develop this offer further. Day activities providers are indicating that the current fee arrangements are inadequate. This also remains a market where there is no quality monitoring in place without a Framework.

8.4.2

Option Two: Recommissioning of a Supported Living Framework on a Similar Basis

This will not meet the Council’s strategic goals, of supporting people with a range of additional needs to meet their needs and outcomes.

This option will not enable the Council to develop new service offers to meet emerging needs, for example for young people transitioning from Children’s services, and for people who require overnight support.

8.4.3

Option 3: Recommission a Working Age Framework (recommended)

This will enable greater flexibility and for more providers to join the Framework thereby increasing diversity.

It will enable the Council to meet its statutory duty and fulfil obligations to meet a range of needs.