URL: https://westnorthants.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1473

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: That Cabinet; 1.     Approved the procurement of the statutory advocacy contract in accordance with the Contract Procedure Rules. 2.     Approved a proposed contract term of 3 years with an option to extend by up to 2 years resulting in a maximum contract length of 5 years (3+1+1). 3.     Granted delegated authority to the Director of Adult Social Care (DASS) in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer (S151) and the Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health & Regulatory Services to take any further decisions to conclude this procurement and award the contract.   REASONS RESOLVED: a.     To comply with the requirement to provide the independent statutory advocacy set out in the respective Acts listed. b.     To offer a length of contract that would support a provider to increase the number of advocates as required, for the proposed changes to the Mental Health Act 1983 as the changes come into effect. The exact implementation date is not yet known but it is anticipated that the first changes will be implemented during 2027. Both commissioners and the Local Government Association (LGA), feel that the IMHA changes will be implemented in the first wave of the planned changes, that could take a few years to implement.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: If the Bill is not amended, it will introduce an opt out of, rather than opt in model for IMHAs on qualifying sections and well as opt-in for any qualifying informal English patient, dramatically increasing the demand.    

Date of Decision: June 24, 2025