Issue details

Brief Description

Aspire spun out from the council in 2015. A recent decision has been made to move from the current block contract to Individualisation and implement Individualised Service Agreements (ISA’s) for those individuals who wish to continue to be supported by Aspire. This means that Aspire will be issued the overarching Contract Bundle covering the three services they deliver; supported living / residential respite / day opportunities, and Individual Service Agreements will be issued when an individual package is commissioned, allowing continuation of service and promoting service user choice and control.

Aspire have a two-tier workforce with ex-LCC staff and those that have been employed directly by Aspire since the spin out from the Council.

The decision required is for LCC to continue to fund the difference in cost between the two-tier workforce. The cost difference relates to enhanced staff pay and enhanced WYPF Pension contributions for the ex-LCC staff who continue to work for Aspire.

Impact On Wards

Aspire Services are city wide.

Financial and procurement implications

The annual cost of the difference in enhanced staff pay and Pension for ex-LCC staff at Aspire is indicatively £2.9m.

These monies are currently committed and paid as part of the block contract with Aspire. It’s anticipated that over time the cost of enhanced staff pay and pensions will ultimately reduce to nil.

Partnership working

NA