Decision

To directly award a contract for the provision of Older People’s Carers respite/breaks for a period of 6 months. This pilot programme has been developed in response to feedback from carers with lived experience and will address a recommendation within our recent CQC assessment. Regular breaks are beneficial to Carers to enable them to maintain their own physical and mental wellbeing and continue their caring role.

Reasons for the decision

To directly award a 6 month contract to Age UK Berkshire to provide a pilot Carers break service for 6 months, to address gaps in provision for Carers respite/breaks responding to feedback from carers with lived experience and recent CQC report.

Alternative options considered

The low value allocated to this pilot project is aligned to our procurement regulations and allows us to make a direct award to undertake the pilot.