Issue - meetings

Cabinet Member: Adult Services

Forward Plan Ref: 2011/165

Contact: Martin Bradshaw, Assistant Head of Service (Transforming Social Care) Tel: (01865) 323683

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

This report sets out the outcome of recent consultation on major changes to the delivery of services to people with learning disability. Efficiency savings of £500k in 2011/12 rising to £1m in 2012/13 were approved by Council in the Business Strategy for 2011/15. These efficiencies are to be achieved  by management restructuring and outsourcing Supported Living and Daytime Support services. Around 285 staff are employed on a gross budget of £7.8m.

Cabinet resolved in principle on 21st June 2011 to outsource these services subject to consultation. An extensive consultation programme of written documentation and meetings with Service Users, families, staff and other stakeholders was undertaken from July to September 2011. This report describes the main findings from that consultation programme. Key issues raised were the importance of continuity and retention of trained staff, quality monitoring and staff conditions of service. Some interest has been expressed in developing Social Enterprise models of service delivery. The potential next steps in terms of procurement and future timetable are outlined.

This programme of outsourcing a range of key services is fully consistent with corporate policy of commissioning rather than providing services, and increasing Service User choice and control by enabling them to select their Providers for both support at home and Daytime activities.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

(a) Note the outcome of consultation with Service Users, carers and other stakeholders

(b) Agree to the outsourcing of Independent Living Services by April 2013.

Cabinet considered a report that set out the outcome of recent consultation on major changes to the delivery of services to people with learning disability.

RESOLVED:            to

(a) note the outcome of consultation with Service Users, carers and other stakeholders; and

(b) agree to the outsourcing of Independent Living Services by April 2013.