The Adult Care and Public Health Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 8 July 2026 to discuss the extension of contracts for short breaks and emergency provision services. The committee reviewed a report recommending an 11-month extension to the existing contracts with the provider Making Space, which will allow for further consultation with service users and their families before a final decision on the future commissioning of these services is made.

Short Breaks and Emergency Provision Contracts Extension

The committee considered a report recommending an 11-month extension to the contracts for short breaks and emergency provision services, which are currently delivered by Making Space at Swallow Lodge and Cedar House. The extension, valued at £1,013,514, is intended to provide sufficient time to complete a comprehensive consultation process with service users, their families, and carers. This consultation will inform the redesign and recommissioning of the services, with a final decision expected in autumn 2026.

Martin Samuels, Executive Director of Adult Care and Community Wellbeing, explained that the original decision process had been paused to allow for more meaningful consultation following feedback received. He assured the committee that this was a genuine consultation and that no preferred option had been decided upon. The consultation aims to gather views on what characteristics are most important in care services, such as consistency of location, staff, and other service users. Five different options for future service delivery are being considered, including maintaining the current model.

Councillor Mrs Susan Woolley raised concerns about the financial figures, questioning a difference between the projected annual contract amount and the proposed extension value. Carl Miller, Senior Strategic Commercial and Procurement Manager, clarified that the proposed extension value is a like-for-like cost for the 11-month period and that there are no savings being made as part of this extension. He also confirmed that Making Space is content with the proposed extension.

Councillor Trevor Victor Young expressed concern that the 11-month extension might not be long enough to adequately plan and support families with complex needs. Martin Samuels responded that the period from the executive decision in January 2027 to the end of the contract in July 2027 provides six months for procurement and mobilisation, which is considered sufficient time. Carl Miller added that this timeframe has been carefully assessed to balance the need for sufficient time with the risk of prolonged double payments.

Councillor Richard Stephen Litchfield questioned the timing of the contract review, asking why it had taken so long to come to committee, leading to the need for an extension. Martin Samuels explained that the original proposal had been withdrawn and further work was required, but had it been accepted, there would have been ample time for implementation without an extension. Councillor Litchfield also raised concerns about the vagueness of the consultation, particularly regarding the alternative accommodation options, and whether the current provider might lose interest during the extended period. Martin Samuels reiterated that the consultation is genuine and that one of the options includes keeping the buildings open.

The committee also received an update on the Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspection, with the draft report expected imminently and publication anticipated around the end of July. A private briefing for committee members will be arranged online. Additionally, Martin Samuels shared positive news regarding the transfer of over 50 staff from the Linkage Partnership, FT, LPFT into the Council's adult social care services, following the end of a Section 75 arrangement. He also conveyed well wishes for the recovery of Deputy Director Hayley Eccles, who recently underwent surgery.