Agenda item

(a)  That the conclusion of a new Section 75 Agreement as the most cost efficient approach to the provision of equipment be approved.

(b)  That Slough Borough Council continues to act as lead commissioner

(c)  That Slough Borough Council on behalf of all partners tenders for a new Berkshire wide Equipment Loan service. 

(d)  That work continues to develop and implement the service design to increase efficiencies and deliver improved customer outcomes.

The Cabinet considered a report seeking approval to renew the Section 75 Agreement for the Berkshire Integrated Community Equipment Service.  Members were asked to approve a tender process for a new Berkshire wide service to fit with future requirements of partners.

The service provided equipment on loan to help adults and children with activities of daily living and the service was operated by Southern Central Ambulance Services (SCAS).  Slough had been the lead commissioner of the Service since its creation over five years ago and was one of the largest examples of Section 75 Agreement in the country comprising eight partners i.e. the six Berkshire UAs and two PCTs.  In 2009 the Section Agreement came to an end and as such now required renewing.  Members were advised that there was an opportunity when tendering for redevelop service to build on current Berkshire Community Equipment Store model to further focus on promoting the independence of vulnerable and disabled people to enable them to continue to live in their communities for as long as possible.  The partnership model using the Section 75 Agreement provided value for money and was approximately £2m more cost effective than single contract arrangements.  The Assistant Director Personalisation, Commissioning and Partnership confirmed that the Council’s liability as lead commissioner for this service was protected both jointly and severally.

Resolved -

(a)  That the conclusion of a new Section 75 Agreement as the most cost efficient approach to the provision of equipment be approved.

(b)  That Slough Borough Council continues to act as lead commissioner.

(c)  That Slough Borough Council on behalf of all partners tenders for a new Berkshire wide Equipment Loan service. 

(d)  That work continues to develop and implement the service design to increase efficiencies and deliver improved customer outcomes.