Decision details

To approve the Strategic Procurement Plan to tender for a home care service framework

That the Strategic Procurement Plan for procuring a home care service through a flexible framework under the Light Touch Regime be approved.

The Care Act 2014 places duties on local authorities to influence the Home Care market to ensure a sustainable, diverse, efficient and effective service that delivers better, innovative and cost-effective outcomes that promote the wellbeing of people who need care and support.  For Bracknell Forest this is through the ‘Community Based Support’ framework and a number of spot contracts. The framework is due to end on 31 March 2022.

Covid has added increased demand on the service where focus has been on home first and accelerated discharge strategies to alleviate pressures on the NHS.  Analysis of the service also indicates a significant increase in demand for those suffering deficits in memory and cognition. This is supported by national trends in needs analysis and the increasing demands for dementia services.  Support with memory and cognition is the most significant group after standard home care.

Analysis of alternative options has indicated that a flexible framework best meets the needs of the Council.

The options considered were detailed in the Strategic Procurement Plan.

None.