Jayne Marshall, Community Care Lead Commissioner, introduced the report of the Director of Care and Health which was to notify the Committee of the commissioning activity for Quarter 2 of 2021, and seek approval of the re-tendering of a number of existing services and new service provision.

The detail of the existing services to be re-commissioned was outlined to the committee, including the Mobile Nights Service, Early Intervention and Prevention and Carers Services, Wirral Advocacy Hub and Cardigan House. It was reported that the Beach Accessible Wheelchairs service was a new service request, following Council expressing an ambition to introduce the service.

Concerns were raised by some members around the level of detail in the report given the significant cost of the contracts. Members were advised that all but one of the contracts were existing services funded from existing budgets.

It was proposed by Councillor Simon Mountney, seconded by Councillor Ivan Camphor, that the item be deferred until the July meeting and that more detail on the services be provided.

The motion was put and lost (3:8).

It was moved by Councillor Kate Cannon, seconded by Councillor Tony Cottier that the recommendations in the report be agreed.

The motion was put and carried (8:1) (2 abstentions).

Resolved (8:1) (2 abstentions) – That:

1.  authorisation be given to the Director of Care and Health to proceed with the procurement for:

·  Mobile Night Service (5-year contract)

·  Beach Accessible wheelchairs (2-year contract)

·  Early Intervention and Prevention services (3-year contract)

·  Wirral Advocacy Hub (3-year contract)

·  Cardigan House (2-year contract)

2.  Delegated authority be given to the Director of Care and Health to award the tender to the successful bidders following the tender process.