Decision details

To approve the future proposed commissioning approach for delivery of mental health community support, based on locality hubs, with the available funding allocated on a population and needs basis

*PLEASE NOTE This decision was originally published on or near the date of the decision and so call in no longer applies. It has been re-published as part of the change in committee management system that we use.*

Health and Adult Services currently holds community support mental health block contracts with a number of different voluntary and community sector organisations for delivery of support across North Yorkshire. All contracts are due to end on the 30th September 2018 and a reprocurement exercise will be needed if funding is to continue for any service.

A new contracting model is proposed to ensure most effective use of resources, and to support delivery of NYCC Health and Adult Services 2020 Vision and the Health and Wellbeing Board Mental Health Strategy.

A consultation was held from the 22nd January and the 19th February on proposals for how the Council will invest in voluntary and community sector organisations to deliver mental health support in the future.

Based on the available evidence and engagement feedback it is proposed that available funds be used to invest in delivery of mental health preventative support through use of a ‘hub and spoke’ approach.

Initial analysis of the consultation feedback has indicated strong support for the proposed approach towards investment, albeit with some concerns about how much support may be affordable within the financial envelope. Managing expectations of the scope of support to be provided through the available budget will be addressed through development of tender documentation and through encouraging innovative solutions to delivery of support, which build up existing community assets and support.

The review has identified there is currently an inequitable distribution of services and funding across North Yorkshire with a significant proportion of the current funding in Harrogate. In order to establish a more equitable approach to allocation of funds based on population need an evidence-based funding formula has been developed with Public Health

Consideration of award of a single County-wide contract for delivery of support was included as part of the consultation on future proposals for investment. However this was not seen as a preferred option due to the amount of investment available, and initial analysis also indicates that this is not supported by the consultation feedback.