Agenda item

Report  CS12066

In September 2012 the Care Services Portfolio Holder approved in principle the proposed commissioning strategy for older people’s day opportunity services and respite at home services in which individual choice and control was central and Personal Budgets/ Direct Payments the preferred mechanism to fund the support provided by the Council to eligible individuals.

Transitional arrangements to reach that position were described whereby, from 1st April 2013, all block contract arrangements with older peoples’ day opportunities providers and respite at home service providers would cease. At that point all existing users of the services would have continuation of the service guaranteed by their places being spot-purchased by the Council on an individual basis (referred to as “legacy placements”). As clients left the service the value of the spot placement would be withdrawn from the provider.

Future eligible clients coming new to the system from April 2013 would have the value of their service included in their Personal Budget. If the Council managed the Personal Budget on behalf of the service user, the Council could either purchase an individual place at a day centre or another form of respite/ activity according to the individual’s choice. Alternatively the service user can take a Direct Payment, which would enable them to purchase either a day opportunities place of their choice or other forms of respite/day activities (e.g. sitting service) should they wish to do so.

Members asked that the detailed arrangements in respect of Legacy Placements, Personal Budget values and future arrangements with providers be worked up and reported in January/February 2013 in order to implement the changes.

Members queried whether the report gave them the details they were seeking.  Savings needed to be delivered and Officers explained that they had listened to the views of service users and providers on these services. Existing service users want to continue to use the services, providers had expressed a strong view that they did not want the services to be put out to tender. Therefore they needed to look at the service they provided and ways to develop for the needs of current users and to make it more attractive to future users whose needs and wishes may differ.

Community Links Bromley had worked with a number of providers to assist with business planning and development but only where help was requested. They were unable to intervene if providers did not request their help. Community Links Bromley have now been commissioned to undertake a project to undertake a survey of support needs, run a provider event and deliver a report to officers by April 2013 on future development requirements for providers. Providers were aware that their funding would decrease from October 2013. Officers agreed to provide a list of all the providers who were working with Community Links.

Members then queried how the costs had been calculated. The Chairman was concerned that these would not be sufficient for the providers to offer the services.  Officers explained that they had looked carefully at the historical costs and projected service use and had set the personal budget bands at what appeared to be realistic levels.  The Chairman added that in conversations with providers they felt constrained. Officers added that this approach protected existing users of services, provided support to providers whilst they change their services and delivered the required level of savings. All the services would need to change substantially but the officers would work closely with the providers and the process would be subject to close monitoring. The Chairman requested a report back at the end of the year.

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder is asked to recommend approval of the commissioning approach to the Council Executive