Issue - meetings

Background:

This report sought approval for the commissioning of adult drug and alcohol treatment to be delegated to Kent County Council (KCC) on behalf of Medway.

Commissioning of substance misuse treatment services became the responsibility of Medway Council on 1 April 2013 as a result of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Previously the responsibility was with Medway Primary Care Trust although a partnership team was hosted by Medway Council to facilitate this.

It was noted that significant substance misuse commissioning expertise was required to design local services and ensure clinical need was still met without requiring substantial new investment. Members were advised that the Kent Drug and Alcohol Action team as part of KCC commissioned services had the subject and commissioning expertise to ensure that a new recovery focussed treatment system was commissioned for Medway clients.

The proposal to use KCC substance misuse commissioning team expertise to commission on the council’s behalf had been approved by Medway DAAT Board and the Procurement Board, subject to final approval by the Leader/Cabinet.

It was noted that in accordance with the Council’s Constitution (Article 10) the decision requested was a matter for the Leader of the Council given that the authority to establish joint arrangements concerning executive functions was devolved to the Leader.

Reasons:

These decisions will mean a more expedient tendering of local services and that services are commissioned by substance misuse experts with a full understanding of how to achieve a recovery focused treatment system.