Issue - meetings

To consider a confidential report by Councillor Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Well-being and Independence (copy enclosed) seeking Cabinet’s approval to appoint two care agencies to provide care and support in Awel y Dyffryn as detailed within the report.

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approves the appointment of the named service provider as recommended within the report to provide care and support to individuals with complex disabilities who live in block C, and

(b)       approves the appointment of the named service provider as recommended within the report to provide care and support to Older People who will live in Blocks A & B Awel Y Dyffryn Extra Care Housing in Denbigh.

Councillor Bobby Feeley presented the confidential report seeking Cabinet approval to appoint two care agencies to provide care and support in Awel y Dyffryn following a successful procurement exercise as set out within the report.

Awel y Dyffryn Extra Care Housing Scheme had been developed by the council in partnership with Grwp Cynefin Housing Group and comprised 66 units of extra care housing (blocks A & B) and a separate block of 8 units for complex disabilities (block C).  It had been anticipated the scheme would be ready for September 2020 but due to Covid restrictions had been delayed until July 2021.  Details of the two separate procurement exercises and contract award recommendations had been provided in the report relating to the appointment of (1) a suitable domiciliary agency to deliver care and support to blocks A & b, and (2) a specialist provider to provide care and support to the 8 units for complex disabilities in Block C.  To demonstrate value for money the report also detailed how much it would cost the council to provide a similar level of care and support to blocks A & B in house.

The Head of Community Support Services explained the need for two separate contracts given the specialist nature of provision for those with complex disabilities.  Officers responded to questions regarding the financial checks and balances undertaken as part of the process and contingency plans in place, and also confirmed no additional costs incurred due to Covid-19 with costs calculated on the number of hours of care and support purchased.  There were additional costs associated with the transition period but the delay of the scheme had provided an opportunity to work with the company on staff recruitment in readiness for opening.  Councillor Gwyneth Kensler reported that Denbigh Member Area Group received a presentation on the scheme and virtual tour and she commended the project.

Cabinet welcomed the scheme and having considered the procurement exercise and outcome of that process together with the report recommendations it was –

RESOLVED that Cabinet –

(a)       approves the appointment of the named service provider as recommended within the report to provide care and support to individuals with complex disabilities who live in block C, and

(b)       approves the appointment of the named service provider as recommended within the report to provide care and support to Older People who will live in Blocks A & B Awel Y Dyffryn Extra Care Housing in Denbigh.

The meeting concluded at 12.10 hrs.