Harrogate Care Provider Calls On North Yorkshire Council To Recognise Specialist Provision In £3.5bn Social Care Overhaul
Homes Together welcomes proposed commissioning reforms and calls for distinct recognition of younger adults with complex care needs.
A specialist residential care provider has welcomed North Yorkshire Council’s proposed £3.5 billion overhaul of adult social care contracts, while calling on the authority to ensure the needs of younger disabled adults are properly recognised in the new arrangements.
Harrogate-based Homes Together, which provides specialist residential care for adults with complex needs and operates 13 sites, spanning Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon, believes the proposed changes present an important opportunity to improve how specialist care is commissioned across the region.
The council is proposing to replace its existing approved provider list with four separate procurement frameworks covering care homes, home-based support, supported living and community support services. The new arrangements would introduce tailored service standards, pricing structures and contract requirements, with the proposals due to be considered by the council's executive on 27 October.
Homes Together has highlighted the importance of recognising the significant differences between residential care for older people and specialist, long-term provision for younger adults with disabilities and complex needs.
David Ashton-Jones, Chief Executive at Homes Together, commented: “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.”
Under the proposals, the care homes framework would account for the largest proportion of the overall contract value, at an estimated £2.2 billion. Procurement for the care homes portion is expected to begin in January 2027, with the new arrangements scheduled to come into effect in September 2027.
Homes Together hopes the review will provide an opportunity for the council to work closely with specialist providers to ensure the new framework reflects the diversity of care needs across North Yorkshire and supports the long-term sustainability of high-quality residential provision.
Homes Together is a specialist residential care provider supporting adults with complex needs, with a focus on person-centred care, independence and quality of life. The provider operates 13 sites, spanning Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon and has been providing exceptional care and support for individuals with diverse needs and abilities for more than 20 years.
