Reopening of Sandwell Domiciliary Care Service (ASC084) – Award to Multiple Providers

About

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council awarded a contract to All Round Care Solutions Limited, Ariise Ltd, Courage Health Care (West Midlands) Limited, Eden Housing & Support Ltd, ELR Homecare LTD, Firstcall 247 Limited, GPS care services ltd, GraceBrook Ltd, and Handle for the reopening of the ASC084 Domiciliary Care Service.

The contract involves adding providers to the Tier 2 list for the provision of domiciliary care to eligible individuals in Sandwell, with all appointed providers required to deliver services across the entire borough.

The service, across both Tier 1 and Tier 2, is anticipated to support approximately 20,000 to 25,000 hours of care per week, though this may vary.

It provides a broad range of general personal care and support services to eligible adults aged 18 and over, aimed at enabling individuals to maintain and recover maximum independence, support their wellbeing, assist those who have recently left hospital, and ultimately allow people to remain living in their own homes.

The hourly rate for the period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 is £18.40, set by the Council and reviewed annually each April.

Where appropriate, rates will be increased using a Fee Rate Escalator or through Market Sustainability uplifts, with the condition that if a Market Sustainability uplift is utilised, the Fee Rate Escalator will not apply for that year.

Providers are required to deliver a high-quality service that aligns with the Council's vision for Adult Social Care and participate in the further implementation of the personalisation agenda, giving citizens greater choice and control.

The overarching Domiciliary Care Service Agreement commenced on 1 September 2022 for an initial period of 5 years with an option to extend for up to an additional 5 years.

The effective date for the reopening of the service is 2 April 2024.

The contract value is £300,000,000.