Social services

Tender description

Applicants are invited to tender for the provision of an Integrated Home Improvement Agency Adaptations and Handy-person Service for Shropshire residents for a period of 2 years with an option to extend for up to a further 12 months commencing on 1.9.2016. Applicants are invited to tender for the provision of an Integrated Home Improvement Agency Adaptations and Handy-person Service for Shropshire residents for a period of 2 years with an option to extend for up to a further 12 months commencing on 1.9.2016. The priorities for Shropshire's Draft Health and Wellbeing Strategy are focused on Prevention (Health promotion and resilience) and Sustainability (Promoting independence at home). The availability of an integrated Home Improvement Agency (‘HIA’) and Handy-person service will support these priorities through helping to increase the availability and use of aids and adaptations. In addition the Better Care Fund identifies a key strategic theme of keeping people independent for longer, with the funding of Disabled Facilities Grants (DFG) for adaptations to people's homes coming through the Fund. It is therefore essential for the achievement of these priorities that people are able to access responsive, high-quality and timely aids and adaptations so that they are able to continue living in a home which is fit for their needs. The Integrated Home Improvement Agency (HIA) and Handy-person service will help to achieve this through supporting older and vulnerable people to live independently and safely through making minor through to major grant-aided adaptations to their homes, allowing them to live more independently and safely and to remain in their own homes. It will also support more people to access the benefits to which they are entitled, and access other services to insulate and improve their homes. The service also work closely with Shropshire Council and the commissioned Independent Living Centre service, and will provide information, advice and signposting to help people to access other services which will help them to remain independent. The Council wishes to maximise the social and economic impact of the proposed solution and therefore will be seeking a provider who can support volunteering, training and employment opportunities for Shropshire residents, will actively support the local supply chain, will promote and support local voluntary and community groups who are able to complement the outcomes delivered by the provider and will assist people to maintain a warm and energy-efficient home. Please note that the services covered by this contract are within Schedule 3 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Accordingly whilst the full regulations will not apply the Council will follow a process based on the principles of transparency. The Council will treat all economic operators equally and in a non-discriminatory way. The deadline for the return of completed tenders is 12:00 noon, Tuesday 26.7.2016. Shropshire Council is purchasing on behalf of itself and any wholly owned local authority company or other entity that is deemed to be a contracting authority by virtue of the Council's involvement.