Decision details

Review of the Long Term Community Support Service - next steps and Progress Report

Reference: D43511

Decision Maker: Executive Board

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

That the Executive Board approve the next steps regarding the future of the Long Term Community Support Service.

 

 

Decisions:

Further to Minute No. 104, 19th November 2014, the Director of Adult Social Services submitted a report presenting the outcome of the review and related consultation undertaken with respect to the Long Term Community Support Service, and in light of such outcomes, the report outlined a proposal for Adult Social Care to cease provision of the long term service.

 

Responding to an enquiry regarding potential new providers and their links to the city, the Board was provided with details of the criteria that such providers would need to satisfy in such areas. In addition, it was requested that the providers liaise and engage with local Ward Members when delivering services. In noting the low level of locally based providers identified for this service, it was suggested that this could potentially be a matter which could be raised with the Local Government Association for consideration on a wider basis.

 

Members also considered the role of the Council, as a commissioning body, and the development of that role in processes such as this.

 

RESOLVED –

(a)  That approval be given to cease the directly provided Long Term Community Support Service (LTCSS), and that the plans for the transfer of customers to independent sector providers be noted;

 

(b)  That the timescales for ceasing the directly provided Long Term Community Support Service (LTCSS), commencing in July 2016, be agreed, with an aim to complete closure by September 2016;

 

(c)  That approval be given to the undertaking of continued formal consultation under Employment Legislation with Trade Unions and staff and support for staff throughout the process, including identifying any opportunities for employment within the Council;

 

(d)  That the use of £0.656m from the savings achieved to develop the in-house Skills for Independent Living Service (SkILs) be approved, and that the opportunities which this development creates for staff, be noted;

 

(e)  That the work which has been undertaken in carrying out the further review of the Long Term Community Support Service (LTCSS), be noted;

 

(f)  That in approving a decision on the future of the service the outcome of the full consultation report, as detailed within Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted;

 

(g)  That the development of alternative models of support, including those provided in the independent sector and the support available for existing customers to transfer to suitable alternative services within the independent sector, be noted;

 

(h)  That it be noted that the lead officer responsible for the implementation of such matters is the Director of Adult Social Services.

 

Reason Key: Expenditure > £250,000;

Portfolio Holder: Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing & Adults

Other reasons / organisations consulted

Formal statutory consultation has been undertaken with customers, their family and staff as required.

Further consultation with staff and Trade Unions will be required if proposals are endorsed by the Executive Board to support staff in finding opportunities elsewhere in the Council, or exploring opportunities for ELI where applicable.

Consultees

Long Term Community Support Service customers and their families / carers; Affected LTCSS staff; Trade Unions; Elected members; Scrutiny Board; Partner organisations; and Voluntary and independent sector organisations and community groups.

Contact: Cath Roff, Project Director 0113 3783884 Email: cath.roff@leeds.gov.uk.

Report author: Cath Roff

Publication date: 29/06/2016

Date of decision: 22/06/2016

Decided at meeting: 22/06/2016 - Executive Board

Effective from: 02/07/2016

Accompanying Documents: