URL: https://sandwell.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1180

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To consider the re-commissioning of Sandwell Community Dementia Service.

Content: Approval was sought to commence a procurement exercise to re-commission the Sandwell Community Dementia Service. Dementia was a major contributor to long-term support needs. Community post-diagnosis support improved understanding, planning, carer resilience and connection to local services. It supported system resilience by reducing avoidable escalation to crisis responses and higher-cost care.   Reason for Decision The Sandwell Community Dementia Service provided a single point of access and a tiered support offer delivered with Voluntary and Community Sector partners. The contract expired on 28 September 2026 with no remaining extension options, requiring procurement to maintain continuity.   On 18 December 2025, the Sandwell Joint Partnership Board considered the future commissioning arrangements for the service and agreed that recommissioning should proceed within the existing Better Care Fund allocation, subject to an inflationary uplift, which for the present time would be estimated at 5%.   The estimated costs for the first year of the new contract would be £416,948. Over a three year period and assuming a 5% annual uplift each year, this would equate to a contract value of £1,314,428.   Alternative Options Considered Option 1 – Do nothing: allowing the contract to expire would remove a key element of the dementia pathway and was rejected due to the significant impact on residents and partner organisations.   Option 2 – Recommission with growth funding: this option was considered but not approved by the Joint Partnership Board due to affordability concerns.   Resolved:- (1)           that approval is given for the recommissioning of the Sandwell Community Dementia Service through a competitive procurement process for a period of three years with the option to extend for up to a further two years;   (2)           that approval is given that the service will operate within the existing Better Care Fund budget subject only to annual inflationary uplifts;   (3)           that approval is given for the inclusion of a contract modification provision, in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, to allow for a cumulative increase of up to 50% of the initial contract value, where required to address a known and evidenced risk relating to sustained increases in demand that cannot be safely or effectively managed within the original contract value;   (4)           that delegated authority is given to the Executive Director – Adult Social Care and Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Well-being, to approve the final service specification and award the contract; and   (5)           that approval is given for an exemption to rule 8.7 of Procurement and Contract Procedure Rules 2018-19, or subsequent amendment, to allow the Executive Director – Adult Social Care and Health to award contracts to the successful tenderer(s) if the required minimum number of tenders are not received.  

Date of Decision: February 4, 2026