Care services across North Yorkshire could be transformed under new proposals worth an estimated £3.5 billion over seven years.
North Yorkshire Council is considering introducing four new frameworks to provide adult social care, helping people live independently and supporting residents whose needs require more specialist care.
Members of the council’s executive will consider the plans on Tuesday 27th October.
The proposals would replace the current approved provider list, which was introduced in November 2022 and is due to expire in 2027.
Adult social care accounts for 34 per cent of the council’s £1.4 billion annual budget, with demand increasing among both working-age adults and older residents.
The estimated £3.5 billion value includes services commissioned on behalf of NHS partners, with those costs recharged to the health service.
The council’s executive member for health and adult services, Cllr Michael Harrison, said:
“Our current arrangements have provided a strong foundation for commissioning adult social care services across North Yorkshire. However, the needs of people who rely on these services continue to evolve, as do the challenges facing the care sector.
“The proposed new frameworks will allow us to work more closely with providers, support innovation and ensure we continue to deliver high-quality care centred on the person receiving it that promotes independence and choice for our residents.”
The four frameworks would cover community support, skills and independence; care homes; home-based support; and supported living.
They would be introduced in phases, with community support, skills and independence expected to launch first, followed by care homes and home-based support.
Further work is planned on the supported living model to allow the council to test new approaches, consult providers and respond to emerging regulations.
Existing supported living arrangements would continue during that work to ensure continuity of care.
North Yorkshire has one of the oldest populations in the country, with one in three residents expected to be aged over 65 by 2043.
The council expects this to bring increasing demand for support with dementia, falls and long-term health conditions.
A review of the current arrangements found they had improved oversight of the care market, provider accountability and financial control.
However, it also identified opportunities to improve how services are designed, priced and monitored to meet changing needs.
The proposed frameworks aim to introduce clearer service standards, strengthen safeguarding and improve oversight of providers, while creating opportunities for local, specialist and voluntary sector organisations.
Care providers, people who use services, carers, NHS partners and representative organisations have helped shape the proposals.
If approved, a procurement programme will be launched, with the first new arrangements expected to begin in 2027.
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