Issue - items at meetings - Commissioning for Community Meals

Report of the Director of Adult Care and Health/Lead Commissioner People (copy attached)

(1)       That the content of the report is noted and the actions recommended below agreed.

            Recommendation 1

The Adult Care and Health Committee agree a Waiver to extend the current contractual arrangements with WRVS from September 2012 until 31^st March 2013.

            Recommendation 2

The Adult Care and Health Committee agree that a Community Meals Service is secured by a competitive tendering process to operate from April 2013 for an initial three year period with an option to extend for a fourth year.

            Recommendation 3

The Adult Care and Health Committee agree that from 1 October 2012 and thereafter every six months the charge for Community Meals in Brighton will be raised by 20p until the point of no subsidy being required by the Council is reached.

9.1       The Committee considered a report of the Director of Adult Social Services/Lead Commissioner People which explained that the current community meals contract with the WRVS was coming to an end in September 2012.  There was now an opportunity to enter into new arrangements for a community meals service whilst recognising and further promoting the personalisation agenda. 

9.2       Councillor Meadows stated that she was generally happy with the proposals.  However, she stressed that the WRVS currently provided a wonderful service and carried out health checks.  The current provision was a very cheap service for many residents who were housebound.  She asked how these people could access lunch clubs which would be much more expensive.   Councillor Meadows made the point that lunch clubs were likely to buy food from supermarkets such as ASDA and that ready meals had high amounts of fat and salt.  

9.3       The Head of Contracts & Performance replied that the proposals would promote choice.  Service users could still have the WRVS (contracted service) which was nutritionally balanced. This service would be available 365 days a year.  However service users might prefer to choose community based meals.  The proposals would support locally sourced food.  

9.4       The Director of Adult Social Services reported that there were plans to use community volunteers to help people access local services.  If service users fulfilled the necessary criteria this could become part of their overall care package. 

9.5       Councillor Norman stated that he had been very involved with these proposals.  He accepted that the WRVS provided a good service of delivery and servicing.  However, he considered that the food could be improved.  Councillor Norman wanted to see locally sourced food.  He accepted the need for a whole year service, but stressed the need to provide choice. 

9.6       Councillor Marsh noted that 40% of meals were provided to younger adults. She was surprised that this group did not want to engage in a more social group at lunchtime.  Councillor Marsh asked if the tendering process would ensure nutritional standards were met.

9.7       The Head of Contracts & Performance reported that it was planned to tender for a similar service 365 days a year providing hot food and possibly extending the service to provide sandwiches. 

9.8       Councillor Jones supported the proposals.  He agreed that the work of the WRVS and the health checks they provided was a good service.  The Chair concurred.

9.9       RESOLVED - (1)      That the content of the report is noted and the actions below agreed.

            Recommendation 1

That a Waiver be agreed to extend the current contractual arrangements with WRVS from September 2012 until 31^st March 2013.

            Recommendation 2

That it be agreed that a Community Meals Service is secured by a competitive tendering process to operate from April 2013 for an initial three year period with an option to extend for a fourth year.

            Recommendation 3

That it be agreed that from 1 October 2012 and thereafter every six months the charge for Community Meals in Brighton will be raised by 20p until the point of no subsidy being required by the Council is reached.