Issue details

The report proposes a one-off revenue payment of £67,758 to Barnet Centre for Independent Living (BCIL) to defray the 2015/16 running costs for People’s Choice (PC) in providing a professional and independent advice, support and advocacy service through self-advocacy groups (such as the Learning Disabilities Parliament) and outreach on a 5-day week basis.

The proposal arises because a recent tender (October 2014) for Specialist Information, Advice and Advocacy (SIAA) resulted in the award of a contract to a new Provider in June 2015. The previous IAA contract was held by BCIL who sub-contracted the advocacy element to PC (which was then a separate entity but merged with BCIL in 2012 as both were user-led organisations and to realise synergies in “back office” functions). Post-merger funding for PC was rolled-up into the original IAA contract held by BCIL. When the new SIAA contract was awarded to a different Provider, the specification for IAA also changed to reflect the requirements of the Care Act 2014 i.e. a more holistic offer as opposed to advocacy specific to the learning disability client group. At the time it was also deemed that TUPE did not apply to PC staff. The £68k therefore provides one-off interim revenue funding to meet the current year budget shortfall and thus ensure business continuity including the provision of services to Barnet residents for the activities provided by PC. The budget shortfall is currently being met via BCIL’s reserves; however, this is a temporary measure to meet short-term cash flow requirements. BCIL is currently commissioned by Barnet Council to provide external support planning and brokerage services to Adults & Communities. BCIL management are actively working on a 2016/17 business plan to secure longer-term funding and ensure sustainability and growth, particularly around flagship projects such as PC.