URL: https://councildecisions.bury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4251

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform presented a report which sought permission to start the process to procure a new Supported Living contract in Bury, ultimately replacing existing contracts. In response to Member questions, it was noted that the law mandated that Councils give choice of provision which resulted in a number of out of borough placements. With regards to the large number of private care providers, this reflected the need for a diverse and vibrant market to ensure service quality was not dependent on a small number of providers. Members also discussed the long timescale and the plans to co-produce the service specification in parallel with public consultation, noting that this enabled feedback to be received, converted into an easy to read format, and taken back for public review. This meant the service specification could be produced incrementally, necessitating a long timescale which was reflected in the report.   Decision:   Cabinet agreed that: 1.    The Commissioning Team follow the timeline outlined and complete consultation, engagement, and co-production of a service specification; 2.    The tender for Supported Living be put to the market, as per procurement rules and support; and 3.    Cabinet receive the results of the invitation to tender and award the contract between July-November 2026.   Reasons for the decision: The re-procurement and timeline will afford commissioners the opportunity to complete comprehensive engagement with key stakeholders on a new model for Supported Living. We will run workshops with partners and professionals to understand what works well currently and whether there are opportunities to do things differently, and we will engage with residents and families, not only people who use the service, but also the Bury People First (our co-production network). Commissioners will co-produce a new service specification and model with key stakeholders.   Alternative options considered and rejected: The option to “do nothing” and not follow the process and timeline will mean missed opportunities for the change, improvement, and innovation which supports the delivery of a new Supported Living model, which makes sure that people are given the best possible opportunity to progress and achieve independence.

Date of Decision: September 10, 2025