Decision details

The committee considered a report which sought approval to procure a new contract for the Integrated Community Equipment Service across Cheshire East and Cheshire West.

It was noted that this was a statutory service which provided equipment in the home for safe independent living and to assist with reducing long term care costs. The service was currently jointly commissioned by Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council and the Integrated Care Board. It was noted that the current arrangements would come to an end on 31 March 2027. Members were updated that the current model worked well but there were identified areas for improvement, and consultations had taken place. It was noted that demand for the service had increased by around 20% since 2021, which was positive as it was enabling more individuals to live at home independently for longer.

It was noted that the service aims to recycle and reuse as much of the equipment as possible when it is no longer of need, but there will always be a proportion of equipment which is it not possible to reuse. Members were updated that the service was looking to increase its tracking of equipment by checking in with social workers to what equipment a user may no longer require, marketing campaigns with users, and encouraging users to return equipment which was no longer required. It was noted be Members that it can sometimes take a long time for equipment to be collected when no longer required, and this would be factored in to the new contract, along with KPIs.

It was noted that the increase in demand for the service meant that first the next year, a 19% uplift in budget had been agreed, followed by a 17% uplift in for subsequent years across the three funding partners.

Members requested further details on how privately purchased equipment could be donated, and the time taken for equipment to be collected when it was no longer in use. Officers committed to provide written responses.

The Chair suggested an amendment to recommendation 2 to include reference to “and appropriate Members within the Cabinet System”, which was accepted by the committee as a friendly amendment.

RESOLVED: (Unanimously)

That the Adults and Health Committee:

1.    Approve the procurement approach for a new Integrated Community Equipment Service contract, as outlined in this report.

2.    Delegate authority to award the contract, and all related matters, to the Executive Director for Adults, Health and Integration, and appropriate Members within the Cabinet System.