Issue - meetings

To approve a tendering process for the provision of Integrated Community Equipment Services and Minor Adaptations

Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing to report.

The Cabinet received a report of the Director of Adults Social Servies (DASS), the purpose of which was to seek purpose approval to undertake a formal tender exercise for the provision of a new Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES) contract, to commence no later than 1 October 2026. The proposed contract would run for a period of three years, until 30 September 2029, with the option to extend for a further two years to 30 September 2031, subject to satisfactory performance and market competitiveness.

The proposed procurement will be structured into two separate lots:

• Lot 1 – Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES)
• Lot 2 – Minor Adaptations Service

The current contract is held in the name of Millbrook Healthcare. The contract commenced on 1 October 2022 and is due to end on 30 September 2026. Although the contract includes an option to extend until 30 September 2029, this extension will not be utilised.

The Minor Adaptations element is currently included within the existing ICES contract however, this arrangement has not operated effectively, resulting in the Council having to rely on alternative contractors to meet demand. Separating the service into two distinct lots will ensure clearer accountability, improved performance, and appropriate market engagement for each service area.

Options/Alternatives considered:

a.    Option 1 – Exercise the extension to the ICES contract from 1^st October 2026 up to 30^th September 2029.

b.    Option 2 (the preferred Option) – To approve the re-tender for the Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES) and Minor Adaptions for a period of 3 years from 1^st October 2026 to 30^th September 2029 with an option to extend for a further two years until 30^th September 2031.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Approves commencement of a tender process for the provision of the Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES), structured into two lots:
            – Lot 1: Integrated Community Equipment Service
            – Lot 2: Minor Adaptations Service

2.     Approves the proposed contract duration of three years (1 October 2026 – 30 September 2029), with an option to extend for a further two years (to 30 September 2031), subject to satisfactory performance and value for money (noting Note that the procurement exercise will be led by Oldham in partnership with Tameside, Stockport, with Rochdale expected to join subject to final governance approval.