Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Adult Services

Forward Plan Ref: 2011/106

Contact: John Jackson, Director for Social & Community Services Tel:

(01865) 323574

Report by Director for Social & Community Services (CA11).   

This report covers two linked developments in services for a people with Learning Disability which seek to improve cost efficiency, quality and choice. Savings of £1m p.a. are expected by the end of 2012/13. The first phase of efficiencies will be achieved by management restructuring, with a planned reduction of 12.5 FTE. There will be minimal impact on front-line services. These savings have already been approved by Council in the Business Strategy for 2011-15.

Subject to consultation and Cabinet approval, the second phase will involve outsourcing the internal Supported Living and Daytime Support Services by April 2013. These services support 450 Service Users, and employ 284 staff on a gross budget of £7.8m. The Directorate Leadership Team considers that it is no longer appropriate for the services to be delivered internally, and that the interests of Service Users and the Council will be better served by outsourcing to specialist organisations. A strong independent market already exists in this area. Staff are likely to transfer under protected terms and conditions. This report seeks Cabinet approval for the principle of outsourcing the services, and for a consultation programme on the options and process to be followed, prior to formal procurement procedures starting in October 2011.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

(a)                                      agree in principle to the outsourcing of Supported Living and Daytime Support Services, subject to the outcome of consultation;

(b)                                      note the proposed reduction of 12.5 FTE management staff through voluntary and compulsory redundancy, to achieve efficiency savings already approved by Council in February 2011; and

(c)                                       request a further report in October 2011 from the Director for Social and Community Services on the outcome of Consultation and the process for procurement of alternative services.

RESOLVED:             to

(a)                           agree in principle to the outsourcing of Supported Living and Daytime Support Services, subject to the outcome of consultation;

(b)                           note the proposed reduction of 12.5 FTE management staff through voluntary and compulsory redundancy, to achieve efficiency savings already approved by Council in February 2011; and

(c)                           request a further report in October 2011 from the Director for Social and Community Services on the outcome of Consultation and the process for procurement of alternative services.