The Director of Adult Care and Health Services submitted a report on the extension of a block contract with Bupa for nursing beds and a review of the Framework Agreement contracts with Care Homes.

The report explained that the Council had been in discussion with BUPA over the extension of and the rates, levels of care need and amendments to a block contract for nursing beds.  In December 2018 BUPA had given the Council a final deadline to sign the negotiated deal and, in the absence of time to secure Committee approval for the contract, the Chief Executive had authorised the signing and sealing of the contract under the urgency provisions within the delegations register.  The report explained the use of this delegated authority as required by the Delegations Register in such circumstances.

The report explained that in addition a wider review of all commissioned beds locally had been undertaken, which had resulted in the Council setting proposed usual cost--of-care rates. Alongside a new framework contract, these rates would be consulted on with 20 current care home providers, and the report sought authority for officers to award revised contracts to all current providers from 14 February 2019 if the proposed cost of care rates and revised contract were agreed.

Resolved –

(1)     That the use of the Chief Executive’s delegated authority to authorise the signing and sealing of the Bupa contract extension, in order to secure best value rates for these urgently needed nursing beds, be noted;

(2)     That the award of the new Framework Agreement for the provision of care home services, supporting over 292 vulnerable people of all needs groups, be endorsed;

(3)     That the Director of Adult Care and Health Services and the Head of Legal Services be authorised to award and execute the new Framework Agreement contracts with current care home providers.

(Exempt information as defined in paragraph 3).