Decision details

1)              This report requests the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health gives approval to waive the procurement code and for the Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Health to make a direct award of a contract to GCH (Alan Morkill House) Ltd, for the provision of Beachcroft Care Home from 17th June 2021 to 17^th June 2022 for the value of £4.732m, to allow time to conduct a new procurement of a long term care provider.

1.1   The contract would include a provision for two 3 month extensions to provide assurance in case of any unforeseen delays in the new procurement exercise. The total value of the award if both 3 month extensions are used is £7,098m.

1.2   That the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health delegates approval to exercise each option to extend each contract to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Public Health.

2)              That the Cabinet Member for Finance and Smart City gives approval to grant a lease to GCH (Alan Morkill House) Ltd for a period of 12 months from 17^th June 2021 to 17^th June 2022 including two 3-month renewals if necessary, to coincide with the contract extensions set out in recommendation 2.1.1 above. The lease would be on the same terms and rent as the existing lease which is due to expire on 17th June 2021.

Rason for Decision

1)     The reason for granting an extension to the lease to occupy Beachcroft and offer a 12 month direct award of a care contract  to GCH (Alan Morkill House) Limited is to ensure and secure immediate continuity of essential services to vulnerable residents.  The Care Quality Commission also requires the care provider to evidence that it holds a lease that allows it to provide care on the premises. The direct award of a contract also allows time to procure a longer-term care provider.

2)     The Council has a clear duty around service provision under the Care Act 2014:

·         The Council has a duty to carry out an assessment of anyone who appears to require care and provide or organise support as required.

3)              There are also several key national and local drivers informing the need for ongoing service provision, including:

·         Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia 2020.

·         England’s National Dementia Strategy.

·         Bi Borough Health and Well Being Board Dementia Plan.

·         The Council’s future plans for the commissioning and provision of high-quality and excellent residential care for our residents.

·         City for All

4)    The 12-month contract  to 17^th June 2022 will enable the Council the time required to prepare a new procurement of a long-term provider at a time when the market is less affected by COVID.  The contract would include a provision for two 3 month extensions to provide assurance in case of any unforeseen delays in the new procurement exercise.