Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Adult Services

Forward Plan Ref: 2012/146

Contact: Alison Partridge, Public Engagement Manager Tel: (01865) 328548

Report by Director of Social & Community Services (CA9).

Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, all (top tier) Local Authorities are responsible for commissioning a Local Healthwatch by April 2013. Local Healthwatch will be the new independent consumer champion for people of all ages using social care, and patients using health services. It replaces the Local Involvement Network (LINKs) and will have a number of extended and statutory functions. A member of Healthwatch Oxfordshire will have a seat on the Health and Wellbeing Board.

The report sets out the procurement and commissioning process for approval.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to delegate decision-making for the contract award and funding allocation John Jackson, Director for Social and Community Services in consultation with Councillor Arash Fatemian, Cabinet Member for Adult Services

Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, all (top tier) Local Authorities are responsible for commissioning a Local Healthwatch by April 2013. Local Healthwatch will be the new independent consumer champion for people of all ages using social care, and patients using health services. It replaces the Local Involvement Network (LINKs) and will have a number of extended and statutory functions. A member of Healthwatch Oxfordshire will have a seat on the Health and Wellbeing Board. Cabinet considered a report that set out the procurement and commissioning process for approval.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Services commented that it was essential that Healthwatch be in place by April 2013. She would welcome the input they could provide the Health & Wellbeing Board, which currently often seemed to be a repetition of Scrutiny discussions. She thanked officers for the excellent work undertaken. She raised the issue of funding which was a concern as it would not be ring fenced. Councillor Hannaby suggested that the final decision should be taken by Cabinet.

During discussion Cabinet commented on the extensive consultation and engagement process that had taken place. They noted that the scoring process for the contract was weighted for various factors and not just based on price.

RESOLVED:             to delegate decision-making for the contract award and funding allocation John Jackson, Director for Social and Community Services in consultation with Councillor Arash Fatemian, Cabinet Member for Adult Services