Decision details

The Cabinet Member considered the joint report of the Adult Social Care Director and the Neighbourhoods and Investment Programmes Director advising of the notification of Anchor Housing Association to discontinue the "Staying Put Service" from 31 March 2011 and advising of the proposed interim arrangements.

The report indicated that the Staying Put Service helped people remain independent in their own homes for as long as reasonably possible; that since Anchor's notification to discontinue the service, Anchor had been in discussion with a range of providers about possible transfer of services to other not for profit organisations; but that due to the economic climate, there had been few expressions of interest except from the Mears Group who were a profit making organisation.

The report concluded that Council officers had met with the Regional Manager from the Mears Group and that from 1 December 2010, Mears had committed to take over the majority of Anchor Home Improvement Agency Services (including Sefton's); and that in accordance with the Council's Contract Procedure Rules, the service would be the subject of a tender exercise in preparation of the expiry of the current contract, even though this would likely (due to the uncertain economic climate) be for an initial period of one year with the potential for a further two twelve month roll over contracts.

Mears had been advised of the above situation; and a further update report would be submitted to the Cabinet Member early in the new year.

RESOLVED: That

(1)      the report updating on the discontinuation of the Anchor Staying Put Service and the proposed interim arrangements be noted; and

(2)      further reports be submitted as appropriate to keep the Cabinet Member updated on the arrangements.