Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Adult Services

Forward Plan Ref: 2010/191

Contact: Maria Melbourne, Area Service Manager, Social Care for Adults Tel: (01865) 323275

Report by Director for Social & Community Services (CA10).

Stairlifts can be provided by a Disabled Facilities Grant that is means tested and available from the District Council Housing Department following an Occupational Therapist’s (OT) recommendation. Once installed the lift becomes the property of the individual. The County Council has no statutory duty to maintain the stairlifts, so whilst  Social and Community Care have become involved, the maintenance of these lifts remains the responsibility of the owner.

The County Council has had an arrangement in place for the last fifteen years to provide a service and maintenance contract for hoist and stair-lift equipment. This includes the provision of an emergency call out service when equipment breaks down.

One of the reasons this policy was put in place was to allow the lifts to be re-cycled and re-installed in other properties. This was discontinued approximately five years ago as it was no longer considered cost effective and the five District Councils no longer supported the arrangement.

This report addresses the current contractual arrangements to provide service, maintenance and repairs for Stairlifts, Through Floor (vertical) Lifts and Step Lifts by Social and Community Services. Proposals relate to the service provided for adults (over 18) with a physical disability or long term medical condition. No change is proposed for  people under 18 years old.

The report updates members on the outcome of the consultation exercise and seeks a decision regarding the ending of the above service provision.      

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)       Consider the information provided by the Consultation and the options for the service

(b)       Agree Option 3 to end the service.

Cabinet considered a report (CA10) that set out the current contractual arrangements to provide service, maintenance and repairs for Stairlifts, Through Floor (vertical) Lifts and Step Lifts by Social and Community Services. The report updated members on the outcome of the consultation exercise and sought a decision regarding the ending of the service provision

Councillor Jenny Hannaby Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Services, commented that historically this was a very complicated position between County and District. She queried who would pick up responsibility when lifts broke and sought assurance that maintenance could be part of the personal care package.

Responding to a query from Councillor Hudspeth about the position being taken by Vale of White Horse District Council Councillor Hannaby stated that it was her understanding that they would not take on existing contracts but would seek to get a longer warranty. It was confirmed that maintenance could be included in personal\ budgets should individuals wish it. It was noted that if a decision was taken to discontinue maintenance then all lifts would be serviced before maintenance was discontinued.

RESOLVED:             to:

(a)       Consider the information provided by the Consultation and the options for the service

(b)       Agree Option 3 to end the service.