Issue - meetings

To consider recommissioning of Home Improvement Agency services on a countywide basis.

(Appendix 1 to this report is exempt in accordance with s.100 I of the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access To Information) (Variation) Order 2006, as it contains information relating to a contract being negotiated with a third party.)

(Report attached)

RECOMMENDED that

1)        the Council agree the commencement of the new Countywide Home Improvement Agency (HIA) from April 2010 provided by Festival Housing Group;

2)       the Head of Community Services, in consultation with the Head of Legal, Equalities & Democratic Services finalise and enter into the necessary legal arrangements to implement the transfer and commencement of the new service; and

RESOLVED that

3)         the new HIA be supported through the use of revenue and capital base budget contributions that are committed to the current service arrangements with the North Worcestershire Care & Repair Agency.

A report was received setting out proposals for the re-commissioning of the current Care and Repair agency services in partnership with Worcestershire County Council, Supporting People, the Worcestershire PCT and the six District Councils.

The risk to the Council in not proceeding with this course of action was spelled out to Members, with a decrease in the amount of central Government money being made available to fund the service within Redditch and, therefore, local residents receiving a poorer service than the remainder of the County. This was the outcome of the Supporting People contract being provided county-wide from 2010/11, replacing the existing arrangements whereby contracts were in place for both the north and south of the County.

The practical implication of the proposals was the expansion of the present service and a transfer of existing staff under TUPE arrangements to Festival Housing Group. There were ten staff currently employed by the North Worcestershire Care and Repair Service, based in Redditch, who would be affected. The team would be located in Redditch for the time being.

Members noted that the proposed contract with Festival Housing Group was for a three year period, with the option of a two year extension, at the expiry of which the contract would be subject to a tendering exercise.

RECOMMENDED that

1)        the Council agree the commencement of the new Countywide Home Improvement Agency (HIA) from April 2010 provided by Festival Housing Group;

2)       the Head of Community Services, in consultation with the Head of Legal, Equalities & Democratic Services finalise and enter into the necessary legal arrangements to implement the transfer and commencement of the new service; and

RESOLVED that

3)         the new HIA be supported through the use of revenue and capital base budget contributions that are committed to the current service arrangements with the North Worcestershire Care & Repair Agency.