Purpose

The proposal is to extend all five Extra Care scheme contracts for a seven-month period, from 1 September 2026 to 31 March 2027. This extension will enable the Council to recommence the tender process for Extra Care service provision in Liverpool, starting in July 2026, with the intention of awarding new contracts from 1 April 2027.This Report also seeks approval to procure future provision at 5 Extra Care Schemes across the city.

Decision

For the reasons set out in this report, the Corporate Director has decided to:

1)    Grant approval to extend the following existing contracts for extra care schemes from 1st September 2026 – 31st March 2027 for an estimated cost of £1,927,517.40 excluding VAT in order to enable the Council to maintain service continuity and recommence the tender process for Extra Care service provision:

Contract No

Extra Care Scheme

Value of proposed 7-month variation / contract extension

1

Brookside House:  DN485411

£482,874.26

2

Latham Court:  DN530578

£314,399.17

3

Linksview:   DN536189

£325,011.30

4

Meadow Court:  DN536189

£438,433.98

5

Millachip:  DN530578

£366,798.71

Total Contract value

£1,927,517.40

2)    Grant approval for the Council to commence a procurement for Extra Care service provision at the 5 extra care schemes.  These new contracts will be awarded to successful bidders for an initial term of three years (excluding a 3-month mobilisation period) with services commencing on 1st April 2027. There will be an option to extend for a further three years, up to 2033 if required. 

Alternative options considered

The Council could opt to do nothing and allow the existing contract to expire. This option was considered and rejected as it would result in the Council being required to secure services beyond 1st September 2026 under individual contracting arrangements for each occupant with either H21 or Comfort Call Limited or alternative care at home providers.  This would create a ‘spot purchasing’ arrangement on the terms and pricing proposed by the provider. This option was considered but not pursued as it would not have been in the Council’s best commercial interests.