Written question WQ89437

My officials met the Director of Social Services from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council last week.

The Council will continue to deliver the Support@Home reablement and intermediate care service.

More than 89% of people with eligible needs in Rhondda Cynon Taf receive long-term domiciliary care from independent providers commissioned by the local authority and have done for many years.

Last week the Council’s cabinet agreed to proposals to commission all long-term home care services as part of a retendering process in October 2024.

The Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act (2014) requires a local authority to provide or arrange services to meet the identified care needs of its population. The Act does not stipulate that local authorities must provide in-house domiciliary care services.

Local authorities must prepare and publish market stability reports. These assessments allow local authorities to determine the overall shape and balance of the market and sufficiency of service provision.

I have asked my officials to obtain updates on the progress of the transfer of people receiving a service from the current in-house provision to the independent sector. It is for the council to ensure it thoroughly consults with the individuals, families and staff affected, to ensure the transfer of care is as seamless as possible and that people receiving care are not disadvantaged.

We have not been made aware of other councils considering a similar course of action.