Agenda item

This report describes a proposal to cease the provision of a Council meals-on-wheels service, and progress made to date on developing and facilitating transition to service users being sign-posted to community organisations able to provide such services. This report also sets out the current meals on wheels budget, and provides an illustration on the projected savings from this service restructure over the next 2 financial years. The report seeks approval to proceed with the transition to this model of meeting service users’ needs.

(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.

Phil Porter (Acting Director of Adult Social Services) introduced the report which described a proposal to cease the provision of a Council meals-on-wheels service, and set out progress made to date on developing and facilitating transition to service users being sign-posted to community organisations able to provide such services.

The report also set out the current meals on wheels budget, and provided an illustration on the projected savings from this service restructure over the next two financial years. The report sought approval to proceed with the transition to this model of meeting service users’ needs. Phil Porter stated that the driver for the proposals was to improve services and to increase independence and control, working with the community. He acknowledged the complaints made but put that from the pilot, the majority were happy with the service. Service provision had been timely and contact made with the clients. He assured that no changes would be made without a review of individual needs assessing capacity and support networks and contingency plans would be in place. Phil Porter acknowledged there would be challenges but the council would work with providers and social workers would help resolve problems. He also referred to the council’s commitment to pay London Living Wage and difficulties in making this a contractual requirement. Savings would be made but there was potential for a better service and contingency plans were in place. Puddings would be available for purchase. The council would be taking on the role of facilitator and empowerment clients while ensuring they were safe, not exploited and had their preferences respected.

Other members of the Executive put forward their experience of community provision. Councillor Mashari referred to visits to Cricklewood Homeless Concern and had been impressed by the standards and quality of service. Additionally, an advantage was some providers were located close to residents and, in some cases, a close relationship already existed. She felt that cultural and personal preferences would be better catered for.

Councillors Pavey and Denselow raised questions on arrangements in place for customers to change their provider and also, bearing in mind the vulnerability of clients what sanctions were in place to protect clients. Phil Porter assured that organisations such as Elders Voice would assist and support, food standards would be assessed during reviews and the core contract specified the range of requirements. The council would work with providers but the prime concern was the safety of the community and ensuring they get their meals.

The Chair, Councillor Butt (Leader of the Council) expressed support for the proposals which would deliver an improved service for residents and also savings for the council. He thanked the presenters for their contributions whose concerns would be taken into account.

RESOLVED:

(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.