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Home Care LInk Service

Meeting: 24/06/2021 - Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee (Item 21)

HOME CARE LINK SERVICE

To consider the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community as contained on pages 91 to 100 of the Book of Reports, in relation to commencing consultation regarding the future of the Home Care Link Service (HCL), including options for transferring the Service delivered by HCL to another Provider.  The report had previously been considered by Cabinet held on 8 June 2021 and had been referred by the Chairman of Executive Overview & Scrutiny to the Committee for its consideration.

 

The Head of Housing and Regulatory Services outlined the report and explained the reasoning and position regarding the future of the Home Care Link Service, including consultations with key stakeholders and options for transferring the services delivered by Home Care Link to another provider.

 

In discussion, comments and questions were raised by Members in respect of the content included within the report and appendix including:

 

·         Protection of the current staff and to prioritise the TUPE rights as far as is possible.

·         To ensure that any replacement service should either reduce or maintain current cost to the customer and/or provide enhanced solutions that enhance the capability and functionality of the service.

 

RESOLVED:

 

A.           That the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community, attached as an appendix to the report and the recommendations contained therein be considered and noted and thatthis Committee support the decision of Cabinet held 8 June 2021.

 

B.           That Member Update Articles in respect of the Home Care Link Service be provided to keep Members informed of the latest position.

 

(Note: Councillor D Westley declared a non-pecuniary interest in relation to Agenda Item 9 – Home Care Link Service, as a Member of Lancashire County Council)


Meeting: 08/06/2021 - Cabinet (Item 16)

Home Care Link Service

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor J Wilkie)

Minutes:

Consideration was given to the report of the Corporate Director of Place and Community, which sought approval to commence consultations regarding the future of the Home Care Link (HCL) service including options for transferring the services delivered by Home Care Link to another provider.

 

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the details as set out in the report before it and the reasons contained therein.

 

RESOLVED:   That the subject to consideration by Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee:

 

A.      That delegated authority be given to Director of Place and Community to commence consultations with key stakeholders regarding the future of HCL, including consideration of options for transferring the service to an external provider.

 

B.      That delegated authority be given to Director of Place and Community to identify suitable alternative providers and negotiate terms with the preferred delivery partner, taking into consideration the following priorities:

·      Need to maintain a high quality, competitive service for West Lancashire Council tenants supported by the Council’s Independent Living Service, delivered by trusted partner

·      Need to achieve a seamless transfer to high quality, cost effective service for existing HCL private subscribers

·      Work with any client organisations to ensure a seamless transfer of their services and enable them to make informed choices around the future service delivery for their clients

·      Need to provide West Lancashire communities with access to high quality technology enabled care in the future

·      Providing, if possible, continuation of employment for the HCL team

 

C.   That the Director of Place and Communities be authorised to implement interim measures, which may include the transfer of service to assist with business continuity or provide a different hosting solution giving flexibility to the service. These issues are being explored and need further investigation.

 

D.   That the proposals to transfer HCL services to a suitable, alternative provider which offers a value for money service, which mirrors or exceeds the service currently offered to residents, be supported.