A SEARCH has been launched to find a contractor to help people who need mobility aids in Berkshire.
The six councils across Berkshire are responsible for adult social care in their respective areas, but collectively run the Berkshire Community Equipment Contract (BCES), a joint contract for the provision of adult social care equipment for their residents. It is administered by West Berkshire Council.
The current contract is held by Nottingham Rehabilitation Supplies (NRS), also known as Healthcare Pro, with a new contract to run from 2024 through to 2031.
Equipment is used to help with daily tasks including showering and personal hygiene, getting into bed. Items include wheelchairs, rollators, electronic stair lifts, and support.
Just under 2,500 people in Reading use such equipment, with the average cost per user being £256.43.
These are average figures calculated between 2017-2022. During that period, 47,527 pieces of equipment were delivered to a total of 12,279 people in Reading.
The search was discussed at a Reading Borough Council policy committee meeting on Wednesday, September 21.
Reading Borough Council will pay the successful contractor £6.486 million over the seven-year contract period.
At the meeting, Reading Borough Council’s policy committee agreed to enter into a joint procurement process.
Cllr John Ennis, lead councillor for adult social services (Labour, Southcote), said: “Many times in the past we have seen councillors, opposition councillors and the administration have talking about the need to work together and the economies of scale.
“We often look and think we can do more of this, I think this is an excellent example, led by West Berkshire, and we should thank them for that, when the six unitary authorities across the political divide work together to get a decent contract which is as important as the equipment services disability aids for our residents.
“They need them, they really appreciate what the equipment they may get to help support them live their lives better.”
He also praised NRS for its work to reuse and recycle equipment if they are no longer required by the disabled person.
Jason Brock, the leader of the council (Labour, Southcote) added: “It’s good when a partnership with our neighbouring authorities works well and I’m glad we can continue it.”
