Agenda item

Report from the Executive Director of Adult Care, Housing and Public Health.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approve, in principle, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) participating in a joint procurement exercise for a Community Equipment Service alongside other partners Doncaster City Council, Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, subject to approval by the respective organisations.
 

2.    Note that Sheffield City Council will be the lead commissioner and their Financial and Procurement Procedure Rules will be followed with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council being an associate commissioner alongside Doncaster City Council and SY ICB.

3.    Approve, the Council being a party to an extension of the current Community Equipment Service contract for up to six months, if required, to support effective mobilisation and continuity of service with SY ICB as the lead commissioner of the current contract.

Consideration was given to the report which sought approval, in principle, for the Council to participate in a joint procurement exercise for a Community Equipment Service alongside Doncaster City Council, Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, subject to approval by the respective organisations.

The current service, delivered by Medequip under a contract led by South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, was due to expire on 31 March 2027 and a procurement exercise was therefore required to ensure continuity of provision.

A review of delivery options was undertaken, including a standalone procurement by the Council, an in-house model and a collaborative procurement and commissioning arrangement with Sheffield City Council, Doncaster City Council and South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. The joint procurement model was identified as the preferred option.

The preferred approach was expected to deliver improved value for money through economies of scale, greater operational resilience, reduced duplication and a more consistent service across South Yorkshire, whilst supporting residents to remain independent and live safely at home. The model would also support timely hospital discharge and help reduce avoidable admissions to hospital and residential care.

Sheffield City Council would act as lead commissioner for the procurement exercise, with Rotherham participating as an associate commissioner alongside Doncaster City Council and South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board. The Council would retain oversight of services provided to Rotherham residents, including local performance and financial management.

Preparatory work had included the development of a common equipment catalogue and service specification across the participating organisations to improve consistency, equity of access, stock management and recycling arrangements, whilst continuing to meet individual assessed needs.

The report set out that the preferred option would increase the Council's annual contribution to approximately £0.8 million, reflecting a revised assessment of social care responsibilities within the service. This additional investment was expected to be supported through Better Care Fund arrangements. Provision had been made for the existing contract to be extended for up to six months, if required, to support mobilisation of the new arrangements and ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

The proposed approach was intended to secure a sustainable and effective Community Equipment Service, supporting independence, improving health and wellbeing outcomes and providing continued support for residents, carers and families across the borough.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approve, in principle, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) participating in a joint procurement exercise for a Community Equipment Service alongside other partners, Doncaster City Council, Sheffield City Council and South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, subject to approval by the respective organisations.  

2.    Note that Sheffield City Council will be the lead commissioner and their Financial and Procurement Procedure Rules will be followed with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council being an associate commissioner alongside Doncaster City Council and SY ICB.

3.    Approve, the Council being a party to an extension of the current Community Equipment Service contract for up to six months, if required, to support effective mobilisation and continuity of service with SY ICB as the lead commissioner of the current contract.