Decision

To formally agree the format and design of the Careline consultation (in consultation with the Assistant Director for Partnerships and the Assistant Director for Governance).

Reasons for the decision

At its meeting on the 26th July, Cabinet resolved the following: -

a) notes the outcome of the review of the service as set out in (item 37; Cabinet Members' Items - Report of the Partnerships Portfolio Holder - A.8 - Tendring's Careline Service Review and appendices) and agrees the decision in principle to adopt Option 2, to cease the telecare and lifting/response provision of the Careline Service, in its entirety, including service delivery under third-party contracts and that the remaining service provision will solely relate to the Council’s Out-of-Hours and CCTV service;

b) subject to a) above, the necessary consultation to be undertaken with customers, residents and key stakeholders. This consultation to be based upon balancing best value principles with the needs of our existing customers, who now have a wider range of options available on the open market, at more comparable rates than the Council can continue to supply the service for.

c) subject to (a) and (b) delegates the format and design of the consultation to the Leader, Portfolio Holder for Partnerships in consultation with the Assistant Director for Partnerships and the Assistant Director for Governance.

d) agrees the Communication and Engagement Plan with an overriding objective to encourage and support active engagement with services users to understand the principles of Option 2 and the alternative providers available, as well as understanding why Option 2 is the preferred option.

This decision formalises the Leader, and the Portfolio Holder for Partnerships agreement to the format and design of the public consultation.

Alternative options considered

The Authority could choose not to undertake a formal consultation exercise, however under our Best Value obligations, the Authority must adhere to the following requirements: -

Best Value - The general duty.

(1)   A best value authority must make arrangements to secure continuous improvement in the way in which its functions are exercised, having regard to a combination of economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

(2)   For the purpose of deciding how to fulfil the duty arising under subsection (1) an authority must consult—

(a)   representatives of persons liable to pay any tax, precept or levy to or in respect of the authority,

(b)   representatives of persons liable to pay non-domestic rates in respect of any area within which the authority carries out functions,

(c)   representatives of persons who use or are likely to use services provided by the

authority, and

(d)   representatives of persons appearing to the authority to have an interest in any area within which the authority carries out functions.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) “representatives” in relation to a group of persons means persons who appear to the authority to be representative of that group.

(4)  In deciding—

       (a) how to fulfil the duty arising under subsection (1),

       (b) who to consult under subsection (2), or

       (c) the form, content and timing of consultations under that subsection, an authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State.