Decision details

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainability seeking approval to undertake work for a third party in line with SCC financial procedure rules final May 2012 specifically identified in E18 and E19. This approval is necessary in order to comply with financial regulations and for legal sealing.

SCC Housing Services have for a number of years been providing a Community Alarm/Telecare Monitoring Service for Portsmouth City Council. In line with normal business rules that contract is due to be extended for a further twelve months and agreement to provide this ongoing service is required under the financial procedure rules as set out above.

The contract terms are for a further period of twelve months with a possible extension after that of another twelve months.

This service has been provided by SCC since 1999 and is provided by the SCC Community Alarm Team based at City Depot. The service level is agreed within the terms of the contract specification and will continue to be delivered within the resources of the existing team and structure.

NOTE: When finalized, some information contained within the report might be considered to be confidential.

(i)  To approve a time limited extension to the existing service with Portsmouth City Council for the provision of telecare alarm monitoring services, for the maximum period May 2013 to March 2015 and on the terms set out in the contract.

(ii)  To delegate authority to the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services to do anything necessary to give effect to this decision.

1.  SCC Housing Services have, for a number of years, been providing a Community Alarm/Telecare Monitoring Service for Portsmouth City Council. In line with normal business, the existing contact is being refreshed with the proposal that it is extended until April 2014 (with the possibility of a further 12 months).

2.  This service has been provided by SCC since 1999 and is provided by the SCC Community Alarm Team based at City Depot. The service level is agreed within the terms of the contract specification and will continue to be delivered within the resources of the existing team and structure.

3.  The service provided by SCC is a call handling one for Telecare devices and community alarm calls. Calls are monitored and taken by SCC  and follow a pre-determined response pathway such as offering remote support and/or contacting professional contacts (e.g. The Ambulance Service) or the customer’s nominated personal contacts.

4.  SCC is duly equipped to deliver this service and has done so continuously for several years and the continuation of this contract ensures no net income loss to the Council for the duration of the contact.

To give notice on the contract leaving PCC to make alternative arrangements for the provision of their alarm monitoring service. This would result in a net loss of income to the authority and could hinder the service in bidding for future contracts.