The Head of Integrated Services presented the report of the Director of Adults, Health and Strategic Commissioning which described the co-production activity to procure and award the Learning Disability and Autism Short Break Service, which was due to end on 16 April 2026 after the current contract extension. The estimated costs of the new service was £756,756 per year. It was anticipated that the new co-produced service would be commissioned for 5 years, resulting in a predicted cost of £3,783,780 between 2026 and 2031.

Members asked about the assessment of carers.

Resolved – That –

1. the re-specification and procurement be approved by way of a competitive process of a new Learning Disability and Autism Short Break Service using co-production and co-design processes with people who use the service, their families and supporters for a contract terms of 5 years

2. the award of the contract for new service, to start in 2026, be delegated to the Director of Adults Care and Health at an indicative cost of £756,756 per year.