URL: https://councildecisions.bury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4263

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 regarding the extension and re-tender of the Care at Home service, which supports the vulnerable people of Bury with their assessed needs under the Care Act 2014. The extension was for 12 months, and that the service supported around 700 vulnerable individuals daily delivering approximately 10,000 hours of care weekly, including personal care, mobility assistance, nutrition, hydration, and medication.   In response to Member questions, it was noted that a change in procurement law meant a process that was started this year was reset and will be rerun so that it can comply with the new public procurement regulations. Under the initial work discussions were held with an interested party, but the Council took the opportunity to reconsider and it was decided that re-running the tender was the best decision longer term and ensure full compliance.   Decision: Cabinet: 1.    Approved a further 12-month extension for providers that are meeting contractual obligations until 24 October 2026 (x8 Lot 1 providers covering the following zoned areas: North, East, West, Prestwich, and Whitefield. x5 Lot 2 providers covering the full borough and acting as a backup to pick up care packages when Lot 1 are unable to); 2.    Delegated finalisation and sealing of the deeds of extension required to give effect to the contract extensions to the Director of Law and Democratic Services in consultation with the Executive Director of Health and Adult Care; 3.    Gave approval to commence the re-tender (open tender process) for a new Care at Home service to start in October 2026 for a period of 5 years with the option to extend for one year plus one year, at a cost of approximately £11m a year; 4.    Delegated the authority to approve the service specification to the Director of Adult Social Services and Community Commissioning; and 5.    Agreed for this to return to Cabinet in Summer 2026 to request approval to contract awards.   Reasons for the decision: The Council has a legal duty to follow Procurement Law and fair purchasing processes and must complete a re-tender process within the extended contract period to ensure compliance with the legislation (Procurement Act 2023). Additional benefits include a new contract and service specification with updated quality requirements enabling us to ensure high standards for the customers, clearer key performance indicators for robust contract monitoring, and a broader scope for innovation.   Alternative options considered and rejected: Alternative options are not applicable due to Procurement Law and the requirement to complete a re-tender exercise (Procurement Act 2023). Should the Council decide to do nothing, we would risk being non-compliant with the legislation.

Date of Decision: October 15, 2025