Issue - meetings

The current contract for the supply of stairlifts and modular access ramps expires on 31 March 2023.  This report seeks agreement to enter into a new arrangement to utilise the Lincolnshire Community Equipment Service (LCES) to provide these items for eligible persons under Disabled Facilities Grants.

Purpose of report

The current contract for the supply of stairlifts and modular access ramps expires on 31 March 2023.  This report sought agreement to enter into a new arrangement to utilise the Lincolnshire Community Equipment Service (LCES) to provide these items for eligible persons under Disabled Facilities Grants.

Decision

That Cabinet approves the use of the Lincolnshire Community Equipment Services (LCES) contract for the supply of stairlifts and modular access ramps from 1 April 2023 until the expiration of the contract on 31 March 2028.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Council could have gone directly out to the market, however, it was considered that this was unlikely to lead to a more competitive alternative, as the benefits of the economies of scale bought about by using the LCES framework would not have been available.

Reason for decisions

With the Cabinet Member for Housing and Property being absent, the Leader of the Council introduced the report.

Disabled facilities grants supported people to live independently and remain in their homes where appropriate.  The use of the Lincolnshire Community Equipment Service (LCES) for the supply of stairlifts and modular access ramps supported an integrated approach and would help to streamline the process for clients.

Stairlifts and modular access ramps were eligible works and were currently installed via a contract with a single supplier, which would end on 31 March 2023.

The LCES was jointly commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council and Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) – the contract provided equipment and services to meet the healthcare needs of those who required it.

It was intended that the Council would procure the stairlifts and ramps from the LCES via Lincolnshire County Council utilising a Memorandum of Understanding. The service response levels provided for the installation of straight stairlifts within two weeks of approval of the grant by the Council and curved stairlifts and modular access ramps within four weeks.

South Kesteven District Council would be the first district council to pilot this approach.