Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Adult Social Care Item 3

23 June 2006

Authority to a negotiate single tender - Community Support Service for People with Mental Health Needs in mid-Hampshire

Report by the Director of Adult Services

(Summary of EXEMPT Decision)

1

Summary

1.1

The following decisions are sought:

1.2

1.3

That approval be given for a single tender be negotiated with Andover Mind for the provision of Community Support to include Vocational Advice, Benefits Advice, Community Support Outreach and Supportive Social Care for people with Mental Health problems.

Authorisation is sought to award a new 3 year contract.

1.4

This report is not for publication as it contains except information within Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, being information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). Further it is considered that, in all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information. While there may be a public interest in disclosing this information, namely financial transparency in the County Council's affairs, it is felt that on balance this is outweighed by other factors in favour of maintaining the exception, namely the contract is subject to confidential third party financial and other negotiations and to reveal details of those negotiations would adversely affect the County Council's negotiating position relating to this contract.

2

Reason(s)

2.1

This decision supports Aim 1 of the Corporate Strategy, maximising life opportunities, by providing a service which is based in Andover and works in partnership with the community mental health team and other stakeholders which allows the Authority to work effectively to reduce isolation and maintain the wellbeing of people with mental health problems.

This works both mentally and physically therefore maximising their life opportunities and reducing the impact of discrimination through the provision of high quality accessible mental health social care services.

2.2

This decision supports Aim 2 of the Corporate Strategy, stewardship of the environment, by providing effective mental health social care services in Andover that will ensure that Hampshire continues to be a place where people who might benefit from the service will want to live, work and visit.

2.3

This decision supports Aim 3 of the Corporate Strategy, achieving economic prosperity, by benefiting those with mental health problems through the support received in their individual recovery, including vocational advice, benefits advice and support in accessing community resources. This contributes to a strong, diverse and sustainable economy which supports jobs, businesses and investment.

2.4

This decision supports Aim 4 of the Corporate Strategy, building strong and safe communities, as Andover Mind provides a service to local people with mental health problems to help them feel informed, empowered and tackling discrimination. The service promotes the health and well-being of people with mental health problems, both by providing direct services to them and by working with other agencies and employers to reduce stigma.

2.5

This decision supports Aim 5 of the Corporate Strategy, improving services, by setting out the requirements for a socially inclusive service. The contract will be monitored on a quarterly basis. Adjustments to the contract will be made when needed to ensure the needs of people with mental health problems are being met in an appropriate manner and that they service continues to meet the local and national standards. As a result the service will be evaluated and improved on a continuous basis to meet the changing needs of the community.

2.6

This decision supports Aim 6 of the Corporate Strategy, developing councillors and staff, by inviting Councillors, team managers and representatives from the independent sector to bi monthly Multi-Agency Team Meetings. These meetings ensure that councillors and staff are equipped with the appropriate skills, knowledge and resources to respond effectively to the needs of people with mental health problems and their carers, regardless of background.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

None

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1

None

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

None

6

Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1

Not applicable

Approved by:

..........................

Date:

.........................

Councillor Patricia Banks