Homes Together backs North Yorkshire’s £3.5bn Care Procurement Shake-Up, But Urges Focus on Younger Disabled Adults
A Harrogate-based specialist care provider has backed North Yorkshire Council’s plans to reshape how it buys adult social care, but says the needs of younger disabled adults must be properly reflected in the final design.
Homes Together, which supports adults with complex needs, has responded to proposals that would see the council’s current approved provider list replaced by four separate procurement frameworks. These would cover care homes, home-based support, supported living and community support services. Each would carry its own service standards, pricing approach and contractual terms.
The overall programme is valued at an estimated £3.5bn. The council’s executive is due to consider the plans today (Tuesday 27 October).
Care homes make up the biggest share, with the framework projected to be worth around £2.2bn. Under the current timetable, procurement for this strand would start in January 2027, with the new arrangements taking effect in September 2027.
Homes Together runs 13 sites across Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon. It said it hoped the review would let the council work closely with specialist providers so that the framework reflects the range of care needs across the county and supports the long-term viability of good-quality residential care.
The provider described the changes as a chance to improve how specialist care is commissioned in the region. It stressed that residential care for older people differs markedly from the long-term, specialist support needed by younger adults with disabilities and complex needs, and said this distinction should be recognised in the new arrangements.
David Ashton-Jones, chief executive at Homes Together, said: “We welcome North Yorkshire Council’s review of adult social care commissioning arrangements. Different types of care require different approaches, so introducing more tailored arrangements for each service area is a positive step.
“It is important that the new framework recognises the distinct needs of younger disabled adults in care homes, which differ significantly from those of older people. Many of the individuals we support at Homes Together have complex needs and require specialist, long-term care, so we would encourage the council to ensure this provision is clearly recognised within the framework.
“We also welcome the council’s emphasis on independence and choice. For younger adults with complex needs, specialist residential care can provide the supportive environment and stability they need to develop skills, exercise choice and lead independent, fulfilling lives. It is vital that this type of care is recognised and valued in its own right, as an important part of the wider adult social care system.
“We look forward to working closely with the council as the new framework is developed, and to continuing our partnership in delivering high-quality, person-centred care for disabled people across North Yorkshire.”
