To discuss the contents of the report and make recommendations to Cabinet.

Hilary Hall introduced the item and reminded Members that the contract for drug and alcohol support services was due to end on March 31^st 2022. Performance of the current contract had been measured through key performance indicators and a recommissioning process had been taking place. A preferred provider had been identified and this would provide a holistic approach to services rather than a number of individual contracts. Hilary Hall said it was felt this would provide the best value for money to residents.

Councillor da Costa noted from the report that a substantial amount of the current contract’s budget was used on a programme where six per cent of users no longer required treatment six months later, and asked if the holistic approach would provide a better outcome. Anna Richards, Consultant in Public Health, said the new service would allow users to have all of their needs met from the first point of contact and allow for better integration of services amongst the key workers administering the support. She gave the example of a key worker in housing being more closely aligned to mental health. The Panel was told that the Royal Borough had a higher than average number of adults who drank more units of alcohol per week than was recommended by the Chief Medical Officer, and the service could help people with their understanding of their alcohol intake and the impact it had on their health. Anna Richards said an app called Lower My Drinking had been introduced as part of this and there had been good engagement.

Councillor Hunt noted that a government grant had helped to provide funding, and asked if this was guaranteed for five years. The Panel was told that the funding was ring fenced for the length of the contract. Responding to a question from Councillor Tisi, Anna Richards said the funding for the proposed new contract was broadly in line with the current one and there would be no significant change.

Councillor da Costa noted that fewer than ten people required residential support, and asked if this was because that was all that was needed or if there were more people needing that support but there wasn’t sufficient provision. Anna Richards said this was the number deemed necessary and there was availability to provide residential rehabilitation if required.

Councillor Tisi asked if it was likely there would be a greater takeup in services if it was done online. Anna Richards said there was starting to be a focus on services being provided digitally, but evidence would need to be reviewed to ensure this was appropriate. Councillor Tisi asked if updates could be provided at a future meeting on whether more people were accessing services if they were provided online.

Members thanked officers for the report, saying they liked the holistic approach being taken to the service. Councillor Hunt asked if updates could be given on the progress of the housing issues of some users that were highlighted in the report, and statistics on crime and disorder committed by anyone receiving treatment. This was agreed by Members.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Panel noted the report and recommends that Cabinet agrees to award the Drug and Alcohol Service Contract to the Preferred Provider. Members asked for updates on the progress of those with housing problems, any crime and disorder committed by those receiving treatment, and whether more people accessed services that were being delivered online.