Issue - meetings

Background:

The report sought permission to commence the procurement of Supported Living Services for Adults Aged 18+.

An Exempt Appendix contained the financial analysis of the proposal.

Reasons:

Ensure the Council are able to meet its duties under the Care Act 2014 by commissioning appropriate care and support for individuals with eligible needs.

Supports independence and community-based living, enabling adults aged 18+ with a range of needs (including mental health, learning disabilities, autism, and complex conditions) to live as independently as possible through high-quality supported living services.

Establishes a structured and compliant contract that improves cost control, reduces inefficiencies, and ensures greater oversight of quality and safeguarding standards.

Respond to increasing demand and future pressures, including transitions from children’s services, hospital discharge pathways, and reducing out-of-area placements, by creating a sustainable and flexible supported living market.

Promote alignment and collaboration with Kent County Council, helping to standardise approaches where appropriate, create comparable services across the Kent and Medway footprint, and improve market management while maintaining local flexibility. This alignment will help the new authorities reshape, whilst still delivering services, through Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).