A decision is scheduled to be made regarding a contract award for stairlifts. This decision has been delegated to a relevant officer, and details are available in a published document.

Contract Award - Stair Lifts

The meeting documents indicate that a decision is scheduled regarding the direct award of a new call-off contract to Stannah for the supply, installation, and maintenance of stairlifts. This proposed contract would cover the period from 1 August 2026 to 31 March 2028, with a total estimated value of £760,000.

Stairlifts are described as powered devices fitted to staircases that enable individuals to move between floors safely, particularly when they are unable to use the stairs independently. The report highlights that these devices, when assessed and prescribed by an Occupational Therapist, are crucial for allowing residents to remain in their own homes by providing safe access to upper floors, including essential facilities like bathrooms. This support is seen as vital for maintaining independence, improving mobility, and helping to prevent accidents, injuries, and the deterioration of health and wellbeing.

The current contract with Stannah Stairlift Services Limited, which is in place via the Yorkshire Procurement Organisation (YPO) Framework Agreement 1103, is due to end on 31 July 2026, with no option for extension. A six-month extension was previously exercised to bridge the gap until a replacement YPO Agreement, expected under the Procurement Act 2023, could be procured. However, this replacement has been delayed, with its start date unconfirmed as of 1 June. The report notes that these delays are outside the Council's control and that without an interim arrangement, stairlift expenditure would fall outside compliant contractual arrangements after 31 July 2026, potentially disrupting service delivery.

The Procurement for Housing (PfH) Assisted Living Solutions Framework is identified as the preferred option for an interim arrangement. This framework allows for a direct award to Stannah, ensuring continuity of service and minimising disruption for residents. Lot 5 of this framework, which focuses on Assisted Living Solutions, was established through a competitive procurement process and has appointed Stannah as a sole specialist provider, enabling a direct award.

The report indicates an increasing demand for stairlift provision over the past three years, with total expenditure reaching £839,607 in 2023/24, £195,892 in 2024/25, and £377,095 in 2025/26. During this period, 177 residents were supported with stairlift installations following an Occupational Therapist assessment.

The proposed contract award is intended to align with the expiry of the Plymouth Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) on 31 March 2028, which the Council uses for procuring building adaptations. This approach aims to provide continuity of provision, allow for the commissioning of Procurement Act 2023 compliant arrangements, and enable a review of all home adaptation contractual arrangements before March 2028 to determine the most effective procurement strategy moving forward.

The decision maker for this proposed contract award is Fiona Connolly, Corporate Director of Adults and Health, in consultation with Councillor Susan Masters, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Environment. The decision is being made under Newham Council's Scheme of Delegation, Part 3B, Paragraph 33, which authorises officers to make procurement decisions in accordance with the Council's Contract Procedure Rules and Standing Orders.

The report outlines that this proposal supports Priority 1 of the Building a Fairer Newham Corporate Plan: A healthier Newham and ageing well. The financial implications indicate that the contract value will be met by a combination of Housing Revenue Account (HRA) funding for Council tenants and Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) funding for eligible private residents and Registered Social Landlord tenants. The DFG allocation for Newham in 2026/27 is £3.661m. The report also addresses legal implications, noting the Council's powers under the Local Government Act 1972 and the Localism Act 2011, and compliance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Equalities implications are also considered, with the Council committed to its Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010.

The documents also state that meetings are not held to take Officer Key Decisions, as the decision has been delegated to the relevant officer. Details of the decision are available to view in the attached document. The contact for this matter is Joy George, Democratic Services Officer.