URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1541

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek delegated authority to the Executive Director for Adults and Communities and Executive Director Children & Public Health in consultation with the respective Portfolio Holders: 1. To award the All-Age Carers Support services contract to the successful tenderer from the 1st April 2026 for an initial period of three years with an option to extend for a further period of two years. 2. To issue extensions to this contract following its award. Such authority includes finalising any negotiations and entering into legal agreement for service provision from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2031 (if necessary) until a subsequent contract is procured/awarded.

Content: The Cabinet Member for (Social Care and Healthier Communities) agrees:   1.     To award the All-Age Carers Support Service contract to the successful provider identified in accordance with the outcome of the procurement exercise, for an initial 3-year term (with option to extend for 2 years) at a maximum total value of £1,257,065. 2.     To delegate the award of the contract (at 2.1 of the report) to the Executive Director for Adult and Communities and Executive Director for Children and Public Health to finalise and authorise the entering into of all necessary documentation to facilitate the award and /or extension of any contract.    The proposed decision is driven the local authority’s requirement to commission statutory support services for all age carers under the following legislations.   ·       The Care Act 2014 specifically requires local authorities to assess the needs of adult carers, identify their wellbeing needs, and provide support where eligible. This includes offering information, advice, and services to help carers maintain their own health and wellbeing. ·       Children Act 1989 and Children and Families Act 2014 ensure that young carers (under 18) are identified, assessed, and provided with the support they need, preventing them from undertaking inappropriate levels of care that could impact their education, health, or development.   A carer is anyone who looks after, gives help or support, unpaid, to family members, friends, neighbours, or others because of long-term physical or mental ill health, disability, substance misuse, or challenges related to old age. Carers are identified by the support they provide, not by whether they live with the person they care for.   Carers play a crucial role in preventing the need for formal, paid care and support for the individuals they assist. This role is often highly demanding, both physically and mentally. Despite the challenges, many carers do not view their responsibilities as burdensome, but rather as a natural duty driven by love and respect for their family members and friends. Carers are not defined solely by their caregiving responsibilities; they are, first and foremost, parents, siblings, relatives, and friends. Caring is one of many roles they fulfil, rather than their primary identity.   Carers First were awarded the contract for the delivery of the Carers Support Service on 1st October 2021, and it expires on 31st March 2026. This service providers a single point of coordination for carers in Southend, providing general and tailored information, advice, guidance, and support to carers. The service also provides support carers to take ad hoc appointment breaks from their caring role and to access necessary appointments.   With the current Carers Support Service contract ending, there is an opportunity to use information from the Southend-on-Sea Carers Survey and wider research to commission a new contract that better meets the diverse needs of carers in Southend-on-Sea.   Carers First was originally commissioned to provide support exclusively for adult carers. However, in June 2024, contract variation was implemented to include the provision of support for young carers as part of a pilot initiative. This amendment allows for the evaluation of the expanded service in addressing the needs of both adult and young carers, with the pilot set to run in line with the contract duration until 31st March 2026.   Originally, the contract did not include delivering statutory carers assessments. However, on the 1st June 2023, an additional contract variation to include a pilot for undertaking these assessments was agreed.   This pilot was a success, and we have now included this into the contract.   A review of the service, as well as consultation with stakeholders and residents have informed the development of the new all-age carers support service specification.   The statutory duties to identify, assess, and support unpaid carers are underpinned by key legislation, including the Care Act 2014, which places duties on local authorities to assess adult carers’ needs and provide appropriate support.   For young carers, the Children Act 1989 and the Children and Families Act 2014 require local authorities to assess and meet their needs, ensuring their wellbeing, education, and development are not negatively impacted by their caring responsibilities.   These duties are further supported by guidance such as Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023 and the Children’s Social Care National Framework 2023, which promote a whole-family, early intervention approach. Additionally, the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998 provide a broader legal framework to ensure carers are not discriminated against or disadvantaged due to their caring.   The recommendation for award of the All Age Carers Support Service follows a comprehensive competitive procurement process and rigorous evaluation to ensure high standards and value for money.  

Date of Decision: January 26, 2026