Purpose

The reason for the decisions in the report is to enable the Alternative Futures Group to invest in technology enabled care that will support service users living in two supported living schemes to live more independent lives.

The report therefore seeks approval to allocate funds to implement technology enabled care in the schemes. The services have been purchased as call off contracts through the Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) for Care and Support for Adults and Young People Preparing for Adulthood (Liverpool city region 2019). As allowed for in the existing terms and conditions of the FPS, it is possible to make payments to the provider, Alternative Futures Group, to reimburse them for expenses incurred in relation to this.

The decisions in this report do not constitute a formal contract modification as the implementation of technology to these services are incidental and within the scope of the original agreement.

Decision

That, the Director of Adult Social Care and Commissioning:

(i)             Approves that £0.022m be allocated for the purpose of implementing technology enabled care in two supported living schemes in Kirkby, L32 for a period covering five years.

(ii)            As is allowed for within the existing terms and conditions of the contracting arrangements, a payment of up to £0.022m is made to reimburse the Alternative Futures Group for expenses incurred in relation to the implementation of technology enabled care in two supported living schemes in Kirkby, L32 for a period covering five years.

Authorises the Whole Life Commissioning team to notify Alternative Futures Group of their obligation to implement technology enabled care in two supported living schemes in Kirkby, L32 for a period covering five years.

Alternative options considered

DO NOTHING: This option was considered and rejected because the proposed introduction of technology enabled care in the two schemes is expected to provide a less restrictive and more independent model of support, whilst continuing to meet service users assessed eligible social care needs. The investment in technology is also expected to enable the Council to commission a more cost-effective service model and to help maximise workforce capacity in the context of ongoing recruitment and retention challenges across the care sector.