Plans to revamp Hartlepool social care service

Hartlepool Borough Council bosses are looking to change the delivery model of its direct payment support service, which provides support for people who have eligible social care needs and choose this service.

Direct payments allow those receiving social care support to choose and buy the services they need themselves.

The direct payment support service can assist with managing a personal budget, dealing with recruitment and employment issues, paying staff etc.

The service is currently commissioned from Penderels, and operated from an office based in Hartlepool, however the contract comes to an end in October 2020.

A review of the current service has been undertaken and options for future service delivery have been explored, with the recommended option for the council to deliver the direct support service themselves internally.

A report from council director of adult and community based services Jill Harrison states although training would need to be taken, the council has existing expertise in similar areas.

It also states it would reduce the funding risk to the council.

It said: “The proposed model of in-house delivery would reduce the risk to the council in terms of direct payment budgets being held in the bank account of an external provider.

“The proposal to bring the service in house can be achieved within the existing budget, and there is potential for efficiencies to be made.

“The delivery model that is proposed for the future reduces financial risk for the council and will potentially result in a more cost effective service being provided.”

The other option for the council is to re-procure the service and appoint an external provider, although officers warned this have an added element of risk if the provider ceases to operate.

It is proposed that the council delivers the service once the current contract comes to an end in October.

The plans were due to go before the Adult and Community Based Services Committee before council meetings were cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Council chiefs have already put in place a variety of schemes to help support residents, especially those who are elderly and vulnerable, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This includes the launch of the Hartlepool Support Hub, which offers information and advice, emotional support, delivery of shopping, newspapers and prescriptions and links to other support services.

To date it has received more than 2,500 calls and delivered around 350 food parcels and 300 prescriptions to people across the borough.

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