To consider and receive the report of the Director (Early Intervention and Support).

1.    To note the cessation of the IHIS service with effect from 31st March 2020.

2.    To approve the recommendation for the Council to enter into a Collaboration Agreement with LCC in respect of the Minor Aids and Adaptations service, to take effect on 1st April 2020.

3.    To approve the recommendation for the Council to conduct a procurement exercise to appoint a sub-contractor to deliver the Minor Aids and Adaptations contract.

4.    To give delegated authority to the Executive Member (Resources) to approve the appointment of a sub-contractor following the procurement exercise.

5.    To note LCC’s intention to withdraw from the supply and maintenance of lifting and other equipment which is provided to applicants for Disabled Facilities Grant.

6.    To permit Officers to explore alternative arrangements, including framework options, for the supply and maintenance of lifting and other equipment. It is further recommended

7.    That a decision on the future arrangements for the supply and maintenance of lifting equipment be the subject of an Executive Member Decision (EMD) by the Executive Member (Home and Housing).

Councillor Graham Dunn, Executive Member (Homes and Housing), presented the confidential report of the Director (Early Intervention and Support) regarding the cessation of the Integrated Home Improvement Service (IHIS) which is funded by Lancashire County Council (LCC), and LCC’s intention to withdraw from the supply and maintenance of lifting and other equipment provided under Disabled Facilities Grant.

Decision:

1.    To note the cessation of the IHIS service with effect from 31st March 2020.

2.    To approve the recommendation for the Council to enter into a Collaboration Agreement with LCC in respect of the Minor Aids and Adaptations service, to take effect on 1st April 2020.

3.    To approve the recommendation for the Council to conduct a procurement exercise to appoint a sub-contractor to deliver the Minor Aids and Adaptations contract.

4.    To give delegated authority to the Executive Member (Resources) to approve the appointment of a sub-contractor following the procurement exercise.

5.    To note LCC’s intention to withdraw from the supply and maintenance of lifting and other equipment which is provided to applicants for Disabled Facilities Grant.

6.    To permit Officers to explore alternative arrangements, including framework options, for the supply and maintenance of lifting and other equipment. It is further recommended

7.    That a decision on the future arrangements for the supply and maintenance of lifting equipment be the subject of an Executive Member Decision (EMD) by the Executive Member (Home and Housing).

Reasons for Recommendation(s):

1.    The recommendation to accept a Collaboration Agreement from LCC in respect of the Minor Aids and Adaptations service, and the proposed procurement arrangements to appoint a sub-contractor to deliver this service, are in keeping with the established arrangements which govern the current IHIS service.

2.    The Council has partnered with LCC to deliver a Minor Aids and Adaptations service successfully since July 2015 and has successfully used a sub-contractor throughout that period.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

An option to decline LCC’s invitation to enter into a Collaboration Agreement was considered but rejected as it would mean that the Council would forfeit a valuable opportunity to deliver important services for vulnerable Chorley residents and would forego an opportunity to engage with such residents in a way which could provide added value.