Agenda item

(a)  Agreed to West Berkshire District Council awarding a contract to NRS Healthcare for a period of five years plus two optional extensions of one year each, subject to satisfactory performance, through utilising the call off option from Buckinghamshire Integrated Equipment Service Single Supplier Framework.

(b)  Approved the continuance of the Berkshire Community Equipment Service (BCES) Section 75 Agreement to allow the partnership arrangement currently in place to continue.

The Lead Member for Health, Social Care & Wellbeing introduced a report on the procurement of community equipment services which supported residents to be independent at home and reduced the need for long term, high cost care. 

Cabinet authority had been given in June 2022 to continue partnership working with local authorities and health bodies in Berkshire to develop a new model for the delivery of community equipment services, led by West Berkshire Council.  The Lead Member summarised the work undertaken since June 2022 and the recommendation that the joint commissioning approach continue with the current contract being extended for a period of five years with the potential for a further two one-year extensions.  It was considered that the current arrangement worked well and key improvements were outlined in the report that would be explored to ensure value for money and reduce costs.

The Cabinet asked a number of questions about how performance would be managed and was assured that robust arrangements were in place.  It was stated that 12-months notice to exit the contract could be given if performance was not satisfactory, although it was emphasised that processes were in place to resolve any issues that arose during the period of the contract.

After due consideration the recommendations were agreed by Cabinet.

Resolved –

(a)  That it be agreed that West Berkshire District Council award a contract to NRS Healthcare for a period of five years plus two optional extensions of one year each, subject to satisfactory performance, through utilising the call off option from Buckinghamshire Integrated Equipment Service Single Supplier Framework.

(b)  That the continuance of the Berkshire Community Equipment Service (BCES) Section 75 Agreement be approved to allow the partnership arrangement currently in place to continue.