Freedom of Information Request - 3757
Birmingham City Council is undertaking a review of Learning Disability Residential Care provision for
service users/residents funded by Birmingham City Council/Birmingham City Council Social Services. In
correspondence from the Council to providers dated from August 2009 providers were informed that the
purpose of the review is to a) review the current contract b) to scrutinise high cost placements. The
project is lead managed by Mr Simon Fenton.
1. A list of (by name) all 85 providers that are being reviewed under this initiative
Please see table attached
2. The number of placements being reviewed by the Joint Commissioning Team at each of the
85 providers (on a provider by provider basis)
Please see table attached
3. The annual/weekly value (In Sterling Pounds) of each of the placements being reviewed at
each of the 85 providers (on a provider by provider basis).
Please see letter on possible exemption and public interest test on individual case data
Weekly Value: £440, 558
Annual Value: £22, 970, 690
4. The annualised value of price reductions initially proposed (this proposal would have been
made after a care management review and after the care management review has informed the
care funding calculator) by the joint commissioning team to each provider for each of the
placements with them being reviewed (on a provider by provider basis on an i)absolute and
ii)percentage basis).
No price reductions were initially proposed for provider placements as any reductions would be
based on applying the Care Funding Calculator to determine an indicative placement costing based on
level of support needs and non care elements of a residential care package.
5. Where agreement has been reached with a Provider, on a Provider by Provider basis, the
annual/weekly value of price reductions formally agreed (after negotiation – where negotiation
was necessary or otherwise) for each placement reviewed on an i)absolute and ii)percentage
basis for each placement.
Please see table attached
6. Where agreement has not been reached as at 13 January 2010, but negotiations are
ongoing, the reasons that the provider has not agreed with the Joint Commissioning Teams
assessment of the cost of the placement (on a provider by provider basis for each placement
reviewed at that provider).
Please see table attached
7. On how many occasions, and to which providers (provider by provider for each placement
under review with that provider) has the Joint Commissioning Team informed the provider that if
they do not agree to the price reductions proposed they may consider moving residents from the
home (or words to the same effect)
The Joint Commissioning Team has consistently communicated to providers the need to ensure
placements offer the Council continued best value. To date we have not reached a point where the best
and final price offered is rejected outright by a provider thus requiring the arrangement of alternative
provision for service users, however this is not ruled out as a possibility in some instances. Any change
would be based on working with individuals and families to ensure any alternative provision was
appropriate to meet their needs.
8. On how many occasions, and with which providers (provider by provider for each
placement under review with that provider) has the Joint Commissioning Team informed the
provider that if they do not agree to the price reductions proposed a) the provider is welcome to
inform the Joint Commissioning Team that it cannot provide the service (or words to the same
effect)
No providers have served notice on placements as a result of this initiative to date.
9. A copy of the contract and the pricing framework that you are asking providers with spot
contracts above the threshold of £1149 to enter into as part of or following your reviews of the
highest cost residential care placements of adults with learning disabilities
Contract packs containing the Adults with Specific Needs contract including pricing framework are
available from the Contracts Team on tel. 0121 675 6632
10. Could you please provide full copies (only if required by law should parts of these minutes
be blacked out) your minutes and notes of meetings with Caretech to discuss and negotiate
costings and care requirements as part of the work to review highest cost residential care
placements
Please see letter on possible exemption and public interest test
11. Could you please provide full copies (only if required by law should parts of these minutes
be blacked out) your minutes and notes of meetings with Autism West Midlands to discuss and
negotiate costings and care requirements as part of the work to review highest cost residential
care placements
Please see letter on possible exemption and public interest test
12. Could you please provide full copies (only if required by law should parts of these minutes
be blacked out) your minutes and notes of meetings with Jaffray Care to discuss and negotiate
costings and care requirements as part of the work to review highest cost residential care
placements
Please see letter on possible exemption and public interest test
13. Could you please provide full copies (only if required by law should parts of these minutes
be blacked out) your minutes and notes of meetings with Robinia Care to discuss and negotiate
costings and care requirements as part of the work to review highest cost residential care
placements
No provider meeting to date
14. Could you please provide full copies (only if required by law should parts of these minutes
be blacked out) your minutes and notes of meetings with Craegmoor to discuss and negotiate
costings and care requirements as part of the work to review highest cost residential care
placements
Please see letter on possible exemption and public interest test
15. Could you please provide full copies (only if required by law should parts of these minutes
be blacked out) your minutes and notes of meetings with Voyage to discuss and negotiate
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costings and care requirements as part of the work to review highest cost residential care
placements
Please see letter on possible exemption and public interest test
16. a) Could you please provide a list of providers with whom communication (written or
verbal) has taken place to discuss that providers’ ability and/or willingness to provide residential
care to service users that the Joint Commissioning Team (JCT) may move from another provider
as part of the review of the highest cost residential care placements for whatever reason.
b) Please provide minutes and notes of all communications at 16 a) above
Residential providers are contacted on a regular basis by the Contracts Team to identify
vacancies within the residential sector; this information is shared with Care Managers so they
are aware of available vacancies when required.
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