Light Touch Framework for Care Home Provision for Older People and Mental Health Older Persons in Cardiff

Cardiff Council Adult Services are re commissioning their Care Home provision for Older People and Mental Health Older Persons in Cardiff. The intention is to commission these services via a new Light Touch Services Framework, underpinned by a number of key principles.

1. It is proposed that the framework is underpinned by a set of principles as set out below:

• A “Framework First” approach will be taken, whereby all placements are expected to be made through the approved framework, with off-framework placements only permitted in clearly defined exceptional circumstances. This will ensure a consistent approach to decision-making, while also supporting better control of costs, as rates will have been set through the framework arrangement.

• Provider Commitment – providers will be required to give the council first refusal on their vacant care home placements.

• Quality as Standard - Quality will be a key focus of the framework. Only providers meeting established quality standards will be admitted to the framework, with ongoing performance monitored through existing governance processes.

• A Fixed and Transparent Pricing Structure - the proposed framework will operate on the basis of set fee levels, with all providers required to accept the Council’s pricing structure as a condition of entry. The rationale for this approach is to address the current variation and unpredictability in placement costs, where prices are often driven by individual bidding behaviour and urgent need. By establishing clear, standardised rates for each care category the new model will introduce transparency and consistency, ensuring that pricing better reflects actual care requirements rather than market pressure or negotiation dynamics.