Agenda item

This report provides an update on the opportunities of a remodelled reablement service, as part of a wider strategy to meet the challenges both financially and qualitatively of the changing demographics within the City, and seeks to facilitate decision making on the next steps for the service. 

Note: Annex 1 to this item (the report to Executive on 14 December 2010) has been made available on-line only and is not included in the agenda pack.

RESOLVED: (i)         That the following be noted:

a)     The need, with an ageing population, to increase the amount of provision for the Reablement Service.

b)     The work that has been undertaken to reduce costs and improve the percentage of contact time within the existing service, but that this will not deliver the efficiencies necessary to increase the provision of care.

c)      That ‘mutuals’ and ‘social enterprise’ organisations would be able to compete through the tendering process as much as independent providers.

d)     That staff in the current in-house service have the opportunity to tender to become a mutual or social enterprise company at the tender stage, and that this could include an option for a Local Authority Traded Company.

REASON:      To set in context the Executive’s decisions in respect of the service.

                        (ii)        That approval be given for City of York Council to progress the purchase of its ongoing expanded Reablement service from external providers, and at the same time for staff in the existing service to be offered the option of dismissal for business reasons in addition to TUPE.

REASON:      To ensure that the Council is able to deliver an increased level of reablement services, which will match changing demographic needs within the City.

                        (iii)       That Officers ensure that information is given to the relevant interested staff regarding the establishment of ‘mutuals’, ‘social enterprise’ organisations, or a Local Authority Traded Company for the tendering process.

REASON:      To enable staff to take advantage of these opportunities should they so wish.

Members considered a report which provided an update on the opportunities offered by a remodelled reablement service (as discussed in a previous report to Executive on 14 December 2010) and sought a decision on the next steps for the service.

Work carried out since 14 December had included discussions with the independent sector on the service size and costing model, ‘soft’ market testing with service providers and representatives, and a survey of other local authorities with outsourced reablement services.  Results had indicated that independent providers welcomed the Council’s approach and would be interested in delivering the service, that feedback from customers was positive and that there was little difference in performance between in-house and external provision. 

The report also provided information on proposals to monitor the service, an update on consultation with staff and unions, improvements made to the in-house service (recognising the limitations on potential further improvements) and an equality impact assessment (Annex 3).  It was confirmed that all staff currently employed in the service were covered by TUPE legislation and had the right to transfer to the new organisation under their existing terms and conditions, preserving their continuity of employment.

Officers responded to the matters raised on this item under Public Participation / Other Speakers and re-iterated their advice that an outsourced service, overseen by the Council’s Assessment and Safeguarding arm, was the best way to increase service provision whilst maintaining high standards.  Having noted the comments of the Labour Group Spokespersons, it was

RESOLVED: (i)         That the following be noted:

a)     The need, with an ageing population, to increase the amount of provision for the Reablement Service.

b)     The work that has been undertaken to reduce costs and improve the percentage of contact time within the existing service, but that this will not deliver the efficiencies necessary to increase the provision of care.

c)      That ‘mutuals’ and ‘social enterprise’ organisations would be able to compete through the tendering process as much as independent providers.

d)     That staff in the current in-house service have the opportunity to tender to become a mutual or social enterprise company at the tender stage, and that this could include an option for a Local Authority Traded Company.

REASON:      To set in context the Executive’s decisions in respect of the service.

                        (ii)        That approval be given for City of York Council to progress the purchase of its ongoing expanded Reablement service from external providers, and at the same time for staff in the existing service to be offered the option of dismissal for business reasons in addition to TUPE.¹

REASON:      To ensure that the Council is able to deliver an increased level of reablement services, which will match changing demographic needs within the City.

                        (iii)       That Officers ensure that information is given to the relevant interested staff regarding the establishment of ‘mutuals’, ‘social enterprise’ organisations, or a Local Authority Traded Company for the tendering process.²

REASON:      To enable staff to take advantage of these opportunities should they so wish.