This report considers the options for the future management of the Council’s integrated Community Equipment Service (CES).  The service loans a variety of disability related equipment to children, adults and older people within Tower Hamlets. The equipment helps service users to maintain and maximise their independence, enables them and their carers to be safely supported and improves their quality of life.

It was noted that the report had originally been published as exempt but was now unrestricted.

DECISION

1.    To support awarding a contract to Medequip for the Community Equipment Service via a call-off from the framework agreement procured by Hammersmith & Fulham, for four years, from 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2023. The contract will have an option to extend for a further two years which will give the Council and the CCG further service stability. The estimated value is circa £6.1 million over the 4 year contract period and circa £9.3 million over 6 years (if the extension was utilised).

2.    To delegate award of the outsourcing contract and further extension to the Corporate Director, Health, Adults & Community.

3.    To note the recommendation will enable delivery of the savings target for CES of £308,000 for 2019/20 as agreed by the Cabinet in the MTFS plan.

4.    To note the early surrender of the lease on the Yeo St premises (12 years unexpired) would result in the landlord paying the Council an estimated £900,000 as a surrender premium.  This would be a one-off payment back to the Council, and in part be utilised to cover the one-off moving and setup costs.

5.    To authorise the surrender of the lease on the Yeo St premises and delegate authority to the Corporate Director, Place to agree the terms.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH, ADULTS AND COMMUNITY (D. RADLEY)

(Interim Divisional Director, Adult Social Care (D. Jones)