Cwmbran’s supported housing schemes for older people will see new carer contracts approved, adjusting care hours and consolidating services under a single provider.
New Carer Contracts for Supported Housing in Cwmbran
New contracts for carers at two supported housing schemes for older people in Cwmbran are set to be approved.
Details of the Housing Schemes
Ty George Lansbury was the first extra care scheme in Torfaen. It opened in 2008 at the site of the former George Lansbury Residential Care Home. The home was named after the former Labour Party leader and grandfather of actress Angela Lansbury.
Four years later, Ty Cae Nant opened in the center of Cwmbran. Both schemes support older people who do not need residential or nursing home care but benefit from varying levels of support to remain independent in the community.
Current Care Arrangements
Currently, Ty George Lansbury has two carers from 7 AM to 11 PM and one overnight. It also has a full-time activities coordinator. Ty Cae Nant has at least one carer from 7 AM to 11 PM and one overnight, along with a part-time activities coordinator.
Changes in Care Hours
A review ahead of the existing contracts, which end in March, has led to a reduction in care hours at Ty George Lansbury from 280 a week to 224. However, it will still maintain two carers during the 7 AM to 11 PM shift.
At Ty Nant, commissioned care hours will increase from 112 a week to 168, while the night shift will remain the same. The activities coordinator role will be reduced to part-time across both schemes.
Contract Details
Radis currently provides care at both schemes, with contracts worth £716,992 a year. Following a tender exercise, Torfaen Borough Council’s Labour cabinet is recommended to award a single contract for both schemes to a firm identified as “Tenderer A.” This firm scored better on price and quality than the other bidder in the final assessment.
The new contract will cost £679,583 a year and will run for three years, from March 4, 2023, to 2029.
Bids and Evaluation
The other bid, from “Tenderer B,” was approximately £724,888 a year. A third bidder was ruled out at an earlier stage of the process. “Tenderer B” will be held as the first reserve and scored better on the “social value” aspect of the contract. This included initiatives to help residents improve their health and provide work experience for unemployed people.
The social value aspect accounted for only 10 percent of the total score. The contract was awarded based on a 50 percent quality and 10 percent price evaluation.
Successful bidders will be named later when the awarding process is complete.
Summary of Care Contracts
| Scheme | Current Care Hours | New Care Hours | Contract Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ty George Lansbury | 280/week | 224/week | £679,583/year |
| Ty Cae Nant | 112/week | 168/week | £679,583/year |
