Re-commissioning accommodation contracts in Cardiff
Parents speak at Scrutiny Committee
Our Chair, Phil Harding, and Director gave evidence on behalf of families at a recent Scrutiny Committee that was examining proposals to re-commission accommodation support packages across the county.
The authority have to put the support packages out to tender as a legal requirement and bidders will have to show that they can deliver a high quality support package that is flexible and based around the individual.
We expressed concerns over having one contractor take responsibility for the 24/7 support of an individual and stressed how important robust independent advocacy and regular person centred planning would if this approach is to succeed. We also challenged the suggestion that packages will be assessed on the basis of 50% cost, 50% quality and stressed how we expect quality to be considered paramount and given a higher weighting (suggested 70% but at least 60%).
The councillors were very thorough in questioning witnesses and council staff alike and we await a final outcome. The process is due to start in the coming month and must be completed in early 2015. This relates to the overarching management of schemes and should not have much effect upon staffing at a local level, so continuity of support should be maintained (at least initially)
