The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing reported that Dimensions UK have two contracts with the authority for the Provision of a Specialist Supported Living provision for people with a learning disability and complex challenging behaviour, including autistic spectrum conditions (at Condors Rest) and for Supported Living Framework Agreement 2020-2024.  She stated that following a corporate restructuring exercise, Dimensions UK had established Dimensions Cymru Limited for the purpose of registering with Care Inspectorate Wales and delivering local and regional services in Wales.  A request had been made to novate two contracts from Dimensions-UK to Dimensions Cymru, to ensure that all business and contractual matters come under the responsibility of Dimensions Cymru.  Both contracts have provision allowing the provider to transfer the contract with the consent of the Council.

The Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing also reported that the Council had previously entered into a service level agreement (SLA) with Hafal for the provision of a Short Term Respite & Recovery Service for carers.  Hafal had merged with three other charities to become Adferiad Recovery Limited and a request had been made to novate the SLA to Adferiad Recovery Limited.  She stated that the SLA contained a provision allowing the provider to transfer the contract with the written consent of the Council.

She reported that due diligence had been carried out on Dimensions-UK (as Parent Company) and Dimensions Cymru and on Adferiad Recovery Limited and there are no concerns in respect of the services being provided by Hafal and Dimensions Cymru Ltd and it was considered there are no operational risks in novating the SLA and Contracts.

The Cabinet Member Social Services and Early Help in commending the proposals to novate the SLA and contracts stated that the organisations were reacting to changes in legislation in Wales.

RESOLVED:             That Cabinet:

·      Authorised the modification of the existing contract with Dimensions-UK in relation to the provision of a Specialist Supported Living provision at Condors Rest by consenting to the novation of that contract to Dimensions Cymru in accordance with CPR 3.3.4;

·      Authorised the modification of the existing contract with Dimensions-UK in relation to the Supported Living Framework Agreement by consenting to the novation of that contract to Dimensions Cymru in accordance with CPR 3.3.4;

·      Delegated authority to the Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing to provide written consent to the above novations and enter into deeds of novation with Dimensions-UK and Dimensions Cymru Limited in consultation with the Interim Head of Finance and Section 151 Officer and Chief Officer – Legal & Regulatory Services, HR & Corporate Policy and to arrange execution of the deeds of novation on behalf of the Council, subject to such delegated authority being exercised in consultation with the Chief Officer – Legal & Regulatory Serices, HR & Corporate Policy;

·      Authorised the novation of the SLA for the provision of a Short Term Respite & Recovery Service for Carers from Hafal to Adferiad Recovery Ltd;

Delegated authority to the Corporate Director Social Services and Wellbeing to provide written consent to the novation of the SLA for the provision of a Short Term Respite and Recovery Service for Carers in consultation with the Interim Chief Officer – Finance, Performance and Change and Section 151 Officer and Chief Officer – Legal & Regulatory Services, HR & Corporate Policy.