Changes ‘will bring benefits’

CHESHIRE East Council admits that changes to care arrangements will be ‘a little disruptive’ but says there will be real long-term benefits.

Under the Care Act 2014 the council must provide a stable care market and currently there are 97 different companies used to do this.

It argues that such a large amount means that there is a lack of consistency in the quality of care provided.

And this new approach of choosing fewer ‘prime providers’ - supported by the remaining companies that are classed as ‘framework providers’ - will guarantee better care.

A spokesman said: “Supporting people in their own home remains one of the council’s top priorities.

“The council has a duty to ensure the stability of the care market and a legal duty to ensure the services it commissions, are procured fairly and in accordance with legislation and procurement rules.

“A new approach has been introduced focused on outcomes, quality assurance and paying a price that providers themselves deem to be fair.

“All service users will receive a review of their care needs before moving to a new provider to ensure their care plan reflects their current needs.

“We recognise that although some changes in care will be a little disruptive to begin with, there will be a new focus on outcomes with service user-led care planning, more consistency of regular carers, plus provider accountability.

“Our commitment is no one will be detrimentally affected by this change.”