Purpose

Approval to continue contractual arrangements for home care services from November 2024 until the new Homecare Framework contracts awards decision is implemented (between April and June 2024).

Decision

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector has approved the extension of current contracts with Homecare providers in Westminster for a period of 5 months from 1 December 2024 to 30 April 2025.

 Reasons for Urgency

Under provision 2.1.18 of the Policy and Scrutiny Procedure Rules in the Council’s Constitution, the Council may apply a case of special urgency whereby the call-in procedure shall not apply if any delay likely to be caused by the call-in process would seriously prejudice the Council’s or the public’s interests. In advance of that decision being taken, special urgency may be applied with the agreement of the Chair of the Vulnerable Adults, Health and Communities Policy and Scrutiny Committee.

The Chair of the Vulnerable Adults, Health and Communities Committee, agreed to this decision being treated as a matter of special urgency on 28th of November 2024. The decision could be taken immediately after this agreement was given. Adherence to the normal Policy and Scrutiny Procedure rules are not practical in these circumstances as Westminster City Council must provide immediate continuation of the delivery of Homecare services in line with the requirements of the Care Act 2014.