URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2037

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Request to authorise officers to complete a retender exercise of the Integrated Community Equipment Service on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council and the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board.  The current contract has been extended until March 2027 and it is proposed that a new contract will commence April 2027 following a retender exercise. This is a statutory service.

Content: Request to authorise officers to complete a retender exercise of the Integrated Community Equipment Service on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire East Council and the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board.  The current contract has been extended until March 2027 and it is proposed that a new contract will commence April 2027 following a retender exercise. This is a statutory service. Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director of Adult Services concerning the recommended future commissioning intentions for the delivery of an Integrated Community Equipment Service across East and West Cheshire.   Members noted that this service was a statutory, all-age service delivered in partnership with Cheshire East Council and Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated Care Board which loaned essential community equipment and mobility aids to individuals to enable them to live independently.  The contract, currently held by Cheshire East Council as the lead commissioner, was due to expire in March 2027.   Members further noted the detail around how the future service would be delivered, and the approach Cheshire West and Chester Council would take as the proposed lead commissioner of the £5.4m per year contract for all partners going forward.   Visiting Members: Councillor Gaynor Sinar spoke in relation to the item.   Councillor Sheila Little, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning.   Cabinet Members welcomed the comprehensive report and supported the proposal for Cheshire West and Chester Council to take on the role of lead commissioner for the new contract, as agreed by all current partners.  They also noted that many items of equipment remained in appropriate long-term use and that the service was strengthening its approach to equipment recovery and was linked to the national ‘Tell Us Once service’ to support equipment return where appropriate. They welcomed the extensive co-production undertaken which highlighted opportunities for continued modernisation of the service, noting that some of the improvements suggested by stakeholders had already been implemented.   DECIDED:     That   1)            the model for the Integrated Community Equipment Service, and for Cheshire West and Chester Council to remain in the Partnership with the Cheshire and Merseyside Integrated care Board and Cheshire East Council to deliver one service across Cheshire Place, be approved; 2)            Cheshire West and Chester Council act as lead for the procurement activity and future contract management, with the new contract commissioned on a 4-year contract basis with an option of two 1- year extensions which will commence from 1st April 2027; and 3)            the Executive Director of Adult Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, be delegated authority to undertake all necessary actions for the implementation of the commissioning process, including authority to award the contract(s) following the tender exercise.   Reason for Decision   1)            For the Council to fulfil its statutory duty under the Care Act 2014, it must ensure there are services to support people with care needs, which this Council considers consists of the provision of community equipment. It will also go towards meeting the Council’s statutory duty to promote the welfare of children in need under the Children Act 1989. 2)            By commissioning this service as a partnership, the Council fulfils expectations set by the Department of Health & Social Care in 2022 that Integrated Care Boards and adult social care should work together collaboratively through Integrated Care Partnerships. This commissioning approach additionally benefits from economies of scale and ensures value for money. 3)            The service accords with the objectives of the Council’s Borough Plan and the “Enabling Great Lives Strategy” by supporting people in a place they call home and promoting safety and independence using a strengths-based approach to achieve outcomes for individuals. This service is integral to supporting people to live healthier, happier lives at home for longer. Residents of the Borough and the Council will receive the maximum benefit from the option proposed.   Alternative Options   1)            In 2024, an options appraisal was completed which considered the following options:   ·         Option 1 - Procuring a new contract with an NHS Trust provider ·         Option 2 - Procuring a new contract via competitive tender as a single organisation, exiting the current Partnership ·         Option 3 - Insource the service or deliver service in partnership with a public sector organisation ·         Option 4 - Procuring a new contract via competitive tender under the existing partnership   2)            Option 4 is recommended as this ensures the Council meets its statutory requirements, promotes integrated ways of working, maintains specialist skills and experience within the service and provides the best value for money.

Date of Decision: March 11, 2026