Agenda item

To consider a report which seeks approval to proceed with the recommissioning of Complex Needs Services in Cheshire East.

The committee considered a report seeking approval to proceed with the recommissioning of Complex Needs Services in Cheshire East.

It was noted that the recommission was looking to promote individual independence and to provide users with support within their communities. It was noted that the existing services were provided by two frameworks and the recommission was required as the current frameworks would expire in 2027, and there was a requirement to ensure that services would remain in place to comply with the council’s statutory duties.

Members were updated that engagement with advocates, carers and providers would be the first stage of the process, with events scheduled, and officers expected this stage to run until the end of April 2026. At this point there would be feedback from users and the views of providers on what was required. From May 2026 onwards, a model based on the feedback would be developed, and officers would present a report to Members in September 2026 to specify the type of procurement and models developed, which would need to be in place by 1 April 2027.

It was noted that there was a need to approach the new commissioning with view of the council’s financial position, its transformation programme, and to work with the market to ensure that support offered was in line with the individual needs, and the types of accommodation needed going forwards.

Members were updated that a wide range of consultation and engagement events would be planned with those who use the services, including advocates, cares, families and the provider market, and to ensure that there was an established supply and evidence-based model to meet needs. It was noted that as part of process, a multidisciplinary project group would be established to ensure coproduction of services and work in collaboration with people who use the services, and members would be kept up to date with the progress. It was noted that service users could also be invited to join the project group.

It was noted that as a result of the recommissioning, there would likely be no significant change to the number of individuals supported, but the type of services provided may change – including more “person centred” and independent living options. As part of engagement, officers would be engaging fully with individuals in transition to adult services.

It was noted that most of the services commissioned were delivered within the borough, however this was not always possible to deliver due to the complexity and rarity of some services. It was noted that officers would work with registered social landlords who provide accommodation to ensure that they were aware of the council’s need to ensure that service users were based as close to home as possible. However, it was noted that some users received specialist care which was delivered by a neighbouring authority due to the number of other councils which surround Cheshire East, and for some users, being out of the borough was a good solution – if they had family somewhere, etc. It was noted that not all care homes wanted to accept clients who had learning difficulties due to the specialist care required. It was noted that a number of individuals from outside of Cheshire East received care within the borough. It was noted that users who were in receipt of treatment outside of their borough would remain responsibility of the local authority unless they were sectioned under mental health act or required additional further support, which would become the responsibility of the local authority where they were living.

It was noted that there was a separate workstream going on to look in to how best direct payments could be used and how they can be made more attractive to users.

RESOLVED: (by majority)

That the Adults and Health Committee:

1.               Approve the commencement of work on recommissioning Complex Needs Services.