Decision details

To note the pilot project and market development work to develop community based meals services and approve plans to further develop the community based approach as a replacement to the existing contracted meals service.

(i)         that the progress made to date in developing a market within the community, for the provision of meals to vulnerable individuals through developing a network of providers who will contract directly with the individual to provide meals be noted;

(ii)        that the progress made to date in informing service users of the proposed change and beginning to shift service users into services with community-based providers be noted;

(iii)       that approval be given to the cessation of a Council meals on wheels service;

(iv)       that approval be given to the development of a community directory of local providers for service users to choose from, whilst allowing scope for service users to make their own choices and spend their money (including, possibly direct payments to assist with the cost of delivery) on alternative meal options;

(v)        that approval be given to the process of reviewing the care needs of all those who currently receive a meals on wheels service so that effective care plans can be set up to ensure that, notwithstanding the termination of the contract with Apetito, we continue to fulfil our statutory duty. This may include facilitating individuals, unable to access community resources independently, to receive a meal in their home via a direct payment of £3.50 towards the ‘transactional costs’ of food delivery and preparation. (As is required currently any individual will be required to make a £3.50 client contribution towards each meal);

(vi)       that proposals for Adult Social Services to procure an emergencies and major incidents meals service to provide hot meals to rest centres where there is a need for these to be provided following a major disaster or other emergency situation, pending the termination of the Apetito contract be noted;

(vii)      that the meals on wheels budget and savings projections be noted.