Harrogate care provider's plea to North Yorkshire Council over £3.5bn social care overhaul
“A Harrogate care provider has called on North Yorkshire Council to recognise specialist provision in their £3.5 billion social care overhaul in advance of an important meeting”
A specialist residential care provider in Harrogate has welcomed North Yorkshire Council’s proposed £3.5bn overhaul of adult social care contracts, while calling on the authority to ensure the needs of younger disabled adults are properly recognised in the new arrangements.
With the proposals being considered by the council's executive tomorrow, Tuesday, October 27, Homes Together believes the proposed changes present an important opportunity to improve how specialist care is commissioned across the region.
The council is proposing to replace its existing approved provider list with four separate procurement frameworks covering care homes, home-based support, supported living and community support services.
The new arrangements would introduce tailored service standards, pricing structures and contract requirements.
Homes Together, which provides specialist residential care for adults with complex needs and operates 13 sites, spanning Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon, is highlighting the importance of recognising the significant differences between residential care for older people and specialist, long-term provision for younger adults with disabilities and complex needs.
David Ashton-Jones, Chief Executive at Homes Together, said: “We welcome North Yorkshire Council’s review of adult social care commissioning arrangements.
“Different types of care require different approaches, so introducing more tailored arrangements for each service area is a positive step.
“It is important that the new framework recognises the distinct needs of younger disabled adults in care homes, which differ significantly from those of older people.
“Many of the individuals we support at Homes Together have complex needs and require specialist, long-term care, so we would encourage the council to ensure this provision is clearly recognised within the framework.
“We also welcome the council’s emphasis on independence and choice.
“For younger adults with complex needs, specialist residential care can provide the supportive environment and stability they need to develop skills, exercise choice and lead independent, fulfilling lives,
“It is vital that this type of care is recognised and valued in its own right, as an important part of the wider adult social care system.
“We look forward to working closely with the council as the new framework is developed, and to continuing our partnership in delivering high-quality, person-centred care for disabled people across North Yorkshire.”
Under the proposals at North Yorkshire Council, the care homes framework would account for the largest proportion of the overall contract value, at an estimated £2.2 billion.
Procurement for the care homes portion is expected to begin in January 2027, with the new arrangements scheduled to come into effect in September 2027.