Agenda item

LEARNING DISABILITY SHORT BREAKS - GATEWAY REPORT (PART 1)

Minutes:

Report ACH22-019

 

The Committee considered a report advising Members on the outcomes of the consultation work to determine the future model for the adult learning disability short break provision and sought Executive agreement to commence a tender process for the bed-based short breaks service and for a day service to operate on a spot procurement basis at the same location.

 

The Council currently had a contract in place with Ambient Support to provide a bed-based short breaks (formerly referred to as respite) service for adults with a learning disability. The contract was awarded for a two-year period from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2023 and, as the contract was awarded following a direct negotiated contract award process, there was no opportunity to extend. The current short breaks contract provided 6 beds under a block arrangement at 118 Widmore Road at the cost detailed in the Part Two report, with up to 4 additional beds available for spot purchase.

 

Within the Gateway Report approved by the Leader in November 2020, Members were advised that the future provision of short breaks for people with learning disabilities would be considered over the lifespan of the current contract and would include consultation in relation to any proposals made.

 

In response to questions, the Head of Complex and Long-Term Commissioning advised that the new service would be tendered on a similar basis to the current service. It was anticipated that as the new short breaks service grew, there would be a reduction in the demand for the bed-based service, and this would be acknowledged in the tender. The co-production work had indicated that the offer of different types of provisions was required. It was noted that providers would be required to bid for varying levels of provision, and it would be  clearly indicated that the Council would have the flexibility to reduce the number of beds within the contract going forward, dependent on demand for new service options and continued demand for bed-based short breaks. The Director of Adult Social Care noted that the contract moved away from a transactional relationship and reflected changing demand – this highlighted their intention to work with providers in a strength-based way. The inclusion of a day service on site provided further choice for Bromley’s adults with learning disabilities which was in line with the Learning Disability Strategy.

 

A Member enquired if a bed-based service was still thought to be required. The Head of Complex and Long-Term Commissioning said that there was definitely a need to have an ongoing bed-based provision. It was an important service, which offered access for planned short breaks and also provided an emergency provision for the Council, which was difficult to purchase outside of the borough. The Member questioned why the contract looked to reduce the bed-based service. The Head of Complex and Long-Term Commissioning said that it would be dependent on demand and the personal choice of service users and their families. In response to further questions, the Head of Complex and Long-Term Commissioning advised that the financial envelope was not expected to increase and would provide an opportunity to reduce the cost of the block provision if alternative services were used. It was noted that the budget to run the current level of service provision would be maintained. When the contract commenced, the current level of beds would be available, and, based on demand, the block purchased element would be reduced in the future.

 

A Member asked the reasoning behind the proposed length of contract. The Head of Complex and Long-Term Commissioning said that a number of Council contracts were tendered on a short-term basis. 5 years was considered to be a good length by providers as it offered them surety. The option to extend the contract for a further 3 years recognised that things could change within the sector and provided an opportunity for review. The Member considered that longer contracts with break clauses would provide surety, and reduce the time that officers spent reviewing contracts, and suggested that this be looked at in the future.

 

RESOLVED that the Executive be recommended to:

 

i)  Note the proposed changes to the provision of learning disability short breaks which would provide greater service user choice and control in regard to short breaks options;

 

ii)  Agree the commencement of a tender process for the contract of a bed-based short breaks service for an initial period of 5 years, from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2028, with the option to extend for a further period of 3 years from 1st April 2028 to 31st March 2031 at an estimated contract value as detailed in the Part Two report; and

 

iii)  Agree for the successful bidder to also provide day activities / short term short breaks at 118 Widmore Road on a spot purchase / direct payment basis whilst contracted to provide bed-based short breaks.

Supporting documents: