Carers Assessment and Support - Carers Short Breaks

The Carers' Short Break service provides replacement care for Carers for a short period (typically three hours a week) to allow them a break from their caring role. There are also a number of specific support elements within this contract; to provide replacement care when a carer is in Crisis or needs to attend a health appointment.

A short term contract extension will be awarded to the incumbent suppliers of the Carers Short Breaks contract, and Community Navigation (Part B) contract for a period of 4 months. The short term extensions enable KCC to complete the re-procurement of a joint service.

By awarding the short term extension, it mitigates any loss in the provision of service while the re-procurement is underway. In addition, it will also enable ample mobilisation time for the winning bidder.

A contract extension of the Carers Short Break contract for a period of 4 months from 01 April 2026 to 31 July 2026 is in accordance with the relevant justifications set out in Regulation 72(1)(b)(c) of the Public Contract Regulations 2015. The council has a statutory duty to ensure that there is sufficient and fit for purpose provision of social care services to Kent residents, who are eligible under the Care Act 2014 and that a sustainable market is maintained which the Carers Short Break contributes to.