Decision
Analysis
outcome: The outcome of the decision is the authorization of a new single supplier framework block contract offering a minimum guaranteed 1000 hours of care per annum to meet the care needs of HMP Haverigg customers.
summary: The decision at stake is the procurement of a new single supplier framework block contract to provide care for Adult Prisoners residing within HMP Haverigg.
topline: The Director of Adult Social Care and Housing has decided to authorize a new single supplier framework block contract to provide care for Adult Prisoners in HMP Haverigg.
reason_contentious: This issue is contentious as it involves the delivery of care to a specific group of stakeholders (Adult Prisoners) within a prison setting, which may raise ethical and logistical concerns.
affected_stakeholders: ["Cumberland Council", "Adult Prisoners in HMP Haverigg", "Care providers"]
contentiousness_score: 7
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://cumberland.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=578
Decision Maker: Director of Adult Social Care and Housing
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: Cumberland Council has authorised permission to procure a new single supplier framework block contract offering the winning provider a minimum guaranteed 1000 hours of care per annum to meet the care needs of HMP Haverigg customers as required from 01/11/2025 on a 1-year term with an optional 12 month extension. Under section 76 of the Care Act 2014 the Council has a Duty to deliver care for Cumberland residents with an assessed care need which includes Adult Prisoners residing within HMP Haverigg The following alternative options were considered: Option 2 Spot Purchase via a New Multi Supplier Framework with multi providers paid at an enhanced spot purchase rate to deliver care into HMP Haverigg, allowing the Council to have delivery arrangements in place with more than one provider to deliver care and support within HMP Haverigg in order to mitigate the staffing capacity issue associated with having just one care provider. Although option 2 had some advantages around with the Council only spot purchasing the care and support hours it required, option 2 did not guarantee delivery with care providers under no obligation to pick up packages of care and support. With care providers able to choose not to deliver care into Haverigg and under no obligation to respond to demand within fixed timescales. Option 3 Call-Off under existing Homecare Framework on spot purchase basis using existing Framework (Open Framework for the provision of Homecare services) with the call off process following existing arrangements with the Council advertising packages of care to the Framework Providers and the Providers choose whether to submit an application to deliver the care depending on capacity. Option 3 was deemed unsuitable as providers indicated in the pre-market engagement events and via submitted expression of interest forms their preference for an enhanced hourly rate due to deliver care into HMP Haverigg to reward care workers due to the specialised nature of the service. With option 3 does there is no guarantee delivery with Framework providers able to choose whether to support delivery of care and historically Homecare Framework Providers operating in the Haverigg, Millom and Barrow-in-Furness areas have not picked delivery requirement within HMP Haverigg when approached by the Brokerage Team. Option 4 New Single Supplier Framework (spot purchase) with the Council going out to tender to find a new independent provider to deliver care and support for HMP Haverigg customers on a spot purchase basis at tendered rates. This option was not considered because it did not guarantee delivery of care within HMP Haverigg and there were capacity issue concerns following feedback provided by the incumbent provider regarding challenges in recruiting and training care staff where there are no guaranteed hours.
Date of Decision: June 17, 2025