Issue - items at meetings - Recommissioning the Carers Hub

Report of the Executive Director, Health and Adult Social Care (copy attached)

RESOLVED - (1) That the Sub Committee agrees to the re-commissioning of the Carers Hub for Brighton & Hove; and

(2) Grants delegated authority or the award of a new contract to the Executive Director, Health and Adult Social Care to procure and award a new contract to provide a Carers Hub.

21.1    The Sub Committee considered report of the Executive Director of Health and Adult Social Care seeking approval for recommissioning of the Carers Hub, which would continue to be jointly funded by BHCC/NHS Sussex as a single point of contact for all family and friend unpaid carers in the city. The Carers Hub had been commissioned initially in 2017 to bring together the range of services for unpaid carers in the city and to ensure that there was a robust response for the statutory duties towards unpaid carers via a partnership of providers. Supporting unpaid carers was a priority across the statutory services with duties under the Care Act 2014, Children and Families Act 2014 and the Health and Care Act 2014 and the Health and Care Act 2022 as well as recognising the strategic importance of supporting family and family and friend unpaid carers.

21.2    Councillor West commended the work which had been undertaken and welcomed the report but queried the rationale for recommissioning what was clearly been established as a good service. Councillor West also expressed the view that it would be beneficial for Members to receive training in respect of contractual matters and the different approaches adopted as that would aid their understanding of the germane issues and processes involved.

21.3    The Executive Director, explained that due to changes in legislation there was a legal requirement to tender for a new contract. The points made regarding Members desire for training were noted.

21.4    Councillor Galvin enquired whether there would be multiple contracts to be let. It was clarified that there was a strong local provider who would had proven track record in delivering this service.

21.5    Councillor Miller enquired regarding the specific process to be undertaken in terms of cost and quality of provision and whether it could be stipulated that a local provider be appointed. It was explained that whilst this could not be required when awarding the contract factors such as experience and a proven track record would be taken into account.

21.6    A vote was taken and the Sub Committee voted unanimously to accept the report recommendations.

21.7    RESOLVED - (1) That the Sub Committee agrees to the re-commissioning of the Carers Hub for Brighton & Hove; and

(2) Grants delegated authority or the award of a new contract to the Executive Director, Health and Adult Social Care to procure and award a new contract to provide a Carers Hub.