Hampshire County Council Item 5

Executive Member for Adult Social Care

25 April 2008

Authority to Negotiate a Single Tender - Carer's Take a Break Service for Carers of Older People and Adults with Physical Disabilities and Learning Disabilities living in South and East Hampshire.

Report of the Director of Adult Services (Summary of CONFIDENTIAL DECISION)

Contact: Sally Trinder 01962 847211 [email protected]

Alan Edwards 01962 847158 [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

a) That authority be given to the Director of Adult Services to negotiate a single tender for the merged provision of the Fareham, Gosport, Havant(including Denmead) and Petersfield Take a Break Services for Carers of Older People and Adults with Physical and Learning Disabilities living in South and East Hampshire.

2. Reasons

2.1 The proposal represents the most economically viable arrangement for the County Council and will provide a key strategic service within the Mental Health and Carers strategic modernisation programmes.

3. Links to Corporate Strategy

3.1 This report supports the Corporate Strategy's Aim of "Maximising Wellbeing" by improving the quality of life for carers and enables them to continue in employment and education. The service supports the Hampshire Local Area Agreement indicators and targets regarding unemployment and the prevention of hospital, residential and nursing care admissions. It meets the needs of communities and supports the Mental Health and Carer's draft strategies.

4. Hampshire Compact

4.1 The Service Provider was consulted in accordance with the provisions of the Hampshire Compact.

5. Equalities Impact Assessment

5.1 The Service fits within the Draft Carers Strategy which has been impact assessed. It is reported that carers experience social exclusion and that carers from black and minority ethnic communities and "hard to reach" carers can face compound disadvantages and become particularly vulnerable. This service addresses carer's rights and is therefore engaged in removing discriminatory barriers. The future focus on self directed support and personalisation is likely to promote fairer and more equal access to services.

6. Other options considered and rejected:

6.1 Tendering not considered appropriate whilst carers services are being strategically modernised, designed and commissioned at this stage, and genuine concerns about potential for de-stabilising services during the review period with adverse impact on high dependency service users, families and staff. It is also felt important to build upon existing partnerships with providers for the developments of self directed support. This opportunity may not be available to the Department if this service was tendered. Negotiations in respect of further developing the service model have also been undertaken on the basis of a partnership approach with a long standing specialist service provider. The service will also give added value through the service redesign function included in the standard unit rate.

6.2 However, the contract will be tendered during the 2 year term.

7. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker of a member or officer consulted - None

8. Dispensation granted by the standards committee - None

9. Reason for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable

Approved by:..............................Date of Decision:.........................

Councillor Felicity Hindson

Executive Member for Adult Social Care