The Lead Commissioner, Integrated Services, introduced the report of the Director of Care and Health which gave members of the Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee an oversight of the commissioning activity for Quarter 2 of financial year 2022/2023.

It was reported that Wirral has 329 existing units of Older People Extra Care Housing Accommodation which had been developed as an alternative to residential care. The two new schemes at Green Heys and Spinnaker House increased the number of operational units to 485 by the end of 2023. The intention to achieve 725 units by 2026.

To ensure local demand could be met, it was outlined that the council would be entitled to 100% nomination rights on the first let of a property and 100% nomination rights for subsequent re-letting of void properties.

Members welcomed the report and progress and highlighted the benefits of Extra Care housing.

It was noted that to achieve the target, sites and a programme were needed.

In response to a member's query, officers clarified that tenders could not be excluded from providers solely because they did not pay the Real Living Wage.

Resolved - That 

(1)  the commencement of the tender process for the procurement of care and support at home services for the two new Extra Care Housing Development schemes at Green Heys in Liscard and Spinnaker House in Rock Ferry with an agreed contract length of 5 years from the start date of the respective schemes be authorised.

(2)  the Director of Care and Health be authorised to award the contract to the highest scoring tender within the approved budget following the tender process.