The Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform presented a report providing a position update to Bury’s independent advocacy services and sought approval for a 3-month extension to the current contract and permission to retender. In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that the extension had an above inflation increase, reflecting wage inflation, but still offered value for money as the provider was tested and reliable. With regards to the financial commitment from the ICB, this was a statutory duty so was assured.
Decision:
Cabinet:
1. Approved a tactical extension to current contractual arrangements for a further 3 months to a new expiry date of 31 March 2027.
2. Approved the authorisation to commence a tender process for an independent advocacy service, awarding a 4-year contract with the option to extend for a further 12 months, commencing on 1 April 2027.
3. Approved a delegation of contract award, following engagement, service development and tender evaluation, to the Director of Adult Social Services, with ongoing monitoring and delivery of outcomes.
4. Noted that the new advocacy contract will be funded from the adult social care community care budget.
Reasons for the decision:
The recommendations align with the Procurement Act 2023. It is also a legal requirement for local authorities to provide an independent advocacy service that includes; Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy (IMCA), Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA), Care Act Advocacy and Independent Complaints Advocacy.
Alternative options considered and rejected:
· Contract expires and no re-tender – rejected as statutory duties would not be fulfilled.
· Contract not extended and re-tendered for 1 January 2027 – rejected owing to the impact of legislative changes in relation to DoLS ruling on 2 June 26 not being fully clarified, CYP commissioners’ scoping work for an all-age contract not being complete, GM ICB decision to jointly commission a service not known in time, and launching a new service on 1st January that involves transferring support would be unnecessarily challenging over Christmas break.