Agenda item

This report provides the Committee with an opportunity to review and assess the proposals for the recommissioning of Direct Payments support services together with the delegated authority to Officers to determine all aspects of the procurement process up to and including the award of contracts and all ancillary matters pertaining to the procurement.

a)    Councillor Sue Lent (Cabinet Member - Early Years, Children & Families and Deputy Leader) and Councillor Susan Elsmore (Cabinet Member – Health, Housing and Wellbeing) have been invited to the meeting and may wish to make a statement;

b)    Tony Young (Director – Social Services) will introduce the report and be available to answer questions; 

c)    Questions from Committee Members.

The Chairperson welcomed Councillor Sue Lent (Cabinet Member – Early years, Children & Families and Deputy Leader), Tony Young (Director, Social Services) and Denise Moriarty (Strategic Lead Planning Officer) to the meeting.

The Chairperson invited the Cabinet Member to make a statement in which she referred to the good progress that has been made in respect of Direct Payments, particularly with reference to children.

Members were provided with a presentation by Denise Moriarty

The Chairperson invited questions and comments from Members:

• Members sought clarification as to what other areas were Direct Payments available and were advised that there were no limitations; the code of guidance states’ to enable them to meet their care and support needs’. 

• Members were advised that Diverse Cymru are in a position to submit a tender.

• Members sought clarification of the process for independent challenge and were advised that the process would be transparent and contained within the contract.

• Members were advised that the value of the current Direct Payment Support Service is approximately £700,000 per annum. 

• Members were advised that currently Swansea Council are using an in-house model, all other Councils are using external providers.

• Members noted that value for money and care of the individual are important and the importance of being able to recruit high quality Personal Assistants.  Officers advised that there is quality assurance.  The contract period is 3 years with the option to extend for 3 further years if the provider is delivering the best value, quality of service and cost.

• Members noted the current contract offers two separate hourly rates; £10.02 for a PA and £11.96 for an Agency and that these did not meet the current Foundation Living Wage.  Officers advised that it did need clarification.

AGREED – That the Chairperson on behalf of the Committee writes to relevant Cabinet Members, Directors and officers thanking them for attending the meeting on 10 January and to convey the observations of the Committee when discussing the way forward.