Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 18, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: Cabinet; a)    Approved a contract variation of eight months to allow time for development of a new model for re-procurement. b)    Approved re-procuring the integrated community equipment contract and continuing the lead commissioner role with North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) and the Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) over a period of 5 years, with the option to extend by a further 3 years (5+1+1+1). c)     Delegated authority to Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health & Regulatory Services in consultation with the Executive Director of People and the Chief Finance Officer (S151) to take any further decisions to conclude this procurement and award the contract.   REASONS RESOLVED: a)    Commissioners would like to make the following improvements to the model and need the additional time to prepare for these positive changes:        I.          Put in place a self-assessment model at the front end to enable people to source low level equipment that does not require formal assessment and enable them to receive equipment much quicker.      II.          Explore the possibility of calling off a procurement-led framework as lead commissioner, if developed internally. Other councils could access a provider through this framework and potentially generate income for the council.    III.          Create a model where care homes can buy from our community equipment catalogue. This will improve quality as all our catalogue items are specified by NHS and council clinical staff.   IV.          Offer a longer contract to give time to develop the model and make further improvements. This has been a benefit in the current model.     V.          Extend the current service model to cover Saturday mornings and bank holidays for equipment deliveries to support hospital discharge and end of life support.   VI.          Rename the service to the Integrated Community Equipment Loan Service (ICELS) to serve as a reminder to people that they do not own this equipment and it should be returned when no longer needed. VII.          Aligning the contract to an April 1 contract start date is preferable by WNC, NNC and ICB finance colleagues for reporting purposes.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: None