Issue - meetings

This report requests authority to appoint two providers to a framework for the provision of accommodation with social care support services, housing support and housing management for people with mental health illness as required by Contracts Standing Orders. This report summarises the process undertaken in tendering these framework appointments and following the completion of evaluation of the tenders, recommends to whom the contracts should be awarded.

(i)         that approval be given to the appointment of two provider organisations, Equinox Care and Look Ahead Housing and Care, to a framework for the provision of accommodation with social care support services, housing support and housing management. The length of the contract will be for a period of three years commencing in January 2011 with an option to extend the framework for a further two-year period;

(ii)        that approval be given to award a call-off contract from the framework referred to in paragraph (i) to Equinox Care for the provision of accommodation with social care support services, housing support and housing management for up to 25 adults with high and medium mental health needs over three years with an option to extend the framework for a further two-year period;

(iii)       that approval be given to award a call-off contract from the framework referred to in paragraph (i) to Look Ahead Housing and Care for the provision of accommodation with social care support services, housing support and housing management for up to 25 adults with high and medium mental health needs over three years with an option to extend the framework for a further two-year period.

The Lead Member, Housing and Customer Care, Councillor Thomas, introduced the report which sought authority to appoint two providers to a framework for the provision of accommodation with social care support services, housing support and housing management for people with mental health illness as required by Contracts Standing Orders. Councillor Thomas pointed out that in consultation individuals using mental health services locally had indicated the importance of housing, support, not being isolated and being able to do “normal activities” as other people do. Two providers were recommended for approval. It was also proposed to bring back 50 individuals currently placed in out of borough social care settings. The framework was for a period of three years commencing in January 2011 with an option to extend the contracts for a further two-year period.

RESOLVED:-

(i)         that approval be given to the appointment of two provider organisations, Equinox Care and Look Ahead Housing and Care, to a framework for the provision of accommodation with social care support services, housing support and housing management. The length of the contract would be for a period of three years commencing in January 2011 with an option to extend the framework for a further two-year period;

(ii)        that approval be given to award a call-off contract from the framework referred to in paragraph (i) above to Equinox Care for the provision of accommodation with social care support services, housing support and housing management for up to 25 adults with high and medium mental health needs over three years with an option to extend the framework for a further two-year period;

(iii)       that approval be given to award a call-off contract from the framework referred to in paragraph (i) above to Look Ahead Housing and Care for the provision of accommodation with social care support services, housing support and housing management for up to 25 adults with high and medium mental health needs over three years with an option to extend the framework for a further two-year period.