Decision details

The report of the Director of Social Services incorporating the Connecting Care Programme Progress Update – Procurement and Finance was presented for the Executive’s consideration.

The Head of Adults’ Services reported that the Connecting Care Programme emerged from the need to replace the Welsh Community Care Information System (WCCIS), following a strategic review that concluded that the system was no longer fit for purpose.  The Connecting Care Programme recognises the need to support organisations to implement and maintain client information systems in support of operational and strategic requirements whilst maintaining a commitment to achieving a national care record for the people of Wales.  There are currently 19 partners (16 Local Authorities and 3 Health Boards) working across the Connecting Care Programme.  This Council has been working with North Wales Authorities to procure a new system to maximise economies of scale and access the support and funding from Welsh Government for a new national system.  Welsh Government have committed to financial support to deliver the new system but have not indicated as to how much funding they will make available and how it will be allocated.  The current cost of Anglesey’s WCCIS contract was outlined within the report.  National funding confirmation is required to support the systems implementation and ongoing cost commitments.   There is an expectation that national funding for the Connected Care system will be available from Welsh Government, however, there is still a delay if they will fund or part fund the scheme. As confirmation is still awaited prior to the tender evaluation and award and given that Anglesey has no choice but to replace the WCCIS system, the report highlights the need to secure the budget to allow officers to progress the scheme.

The Portfolio Member for Adults’ Services expressed frustration that there is a delay in the response by Welsh Government to this important Connecting Care Programme scheme. 

It was RESOLVED:-

• To endorses the favoured approach, as described in this Report, and in accordance with paragraph 3.5.1.6 authorises the Director of Social Services (or his nominee) to fully participate in the contract award and formalisation of the contract.

• Should Welsh Government fail to provide the expected funding, or if the funding is insufficient, then the Executive’s proposed Budget to Council for 2025/2026 shall include:-

• a one-off sum of between £276,000 and £313,000 for the contract implementation charge;

• an annually recurring revenue sum of between £108,000 and £153,000 (for licenses and hosting charges);

• a one-off sum of £58,000 to fund a Grade 5 post to support the implementation, training, and current system support from April 2025 for a period of one year.

·           Subject to the approval of the Chair of the Council, in view of the compressed timetable described in this Report, the Executive excludes this decision from call-in by Scrutiny as the time required to complete the call-in process would be prejudicial to the best interests of the Council and the public.