Issue - meetings

The Corporate Director of Health, Housing & Adult Social Care to present a report which seeks approval to transfer the council’s community alarm and equipment service, currently provided by Be Independent, back to City of York Council management.  

Resolved:  (i)      That the transfer of Be Independent to the direct management of City of York Council be approved.

                   (ii)      That the transfer of all assets and liabilities from Be Independent to City of York Council, and the transfer of staff under TUPE as detailed in the report, be approved.

                   (iii)     That it be noted that, following the transfer, a review of the service will take place to ensure that the service is sustainable.

Reason:     To ensure continuity of service for customers and staff providing the service, and to mitigate any risks to customers who currently receive services from Be Independent.

The Corporate Director of Health, Housing & Adult Social Care presented a report which sought approval to transfer the council’s community alarm and equipment service, currently operated by Be Independent, back into direct council management.

The transfer had been agreed in principle by officers in discussion with the board of Be Independent, after a drop in the number of paying customers and the loss of additional contracts and income had contributed to the service being financially challenged.  Due diligence undertaken on the proposed transfer had not identified any major concerns.  The assessment was that the financial challenges could be turned around by integrating aspects of the Be Independent business with the council’s services.  Other options had been considered, as summarised in paragraph 32 of the report, but none could provide the same security and continuity for both customers and staff within the available timescale. 

Members thanked officers for their work in negotiating this proposal, which was considered to be a sensible solution.

Resolved:  (i)      That the transfer of Be Independent to the direct management of City of York Council be approved.

                   (ii)      That the transfer of all assets and liabilities from Be Independent to City of York Council, and the transfer of staff under TUPE as detailed in the report, be approved.

                   (iii)     That it be noted that, following the transfer, a review of the service will take place to ensure that the service is operating efficiently and secure its longer term sustainability.

Reason:     To ensure continuity of service for customers and staff providing the service, and to mitigate any risks.