Bridgend Council’s Cabinet is set to start the process of drafting new terms for independent domiciliary care providers in a report due to be discussed later this week (pdf).
The current framework agreement– the second one awarded by BCBC since the new system was set up in 2016 – is set to end in March 2026.
Under the proposals, the initial contract would run for two years, with the option to extend it by up to a further 4 years in two separate 24-month chunks.
There will also be a greater focus on quality of care in the new contract, with the tender being weighted 80:20 in favour of quality over cost.
BCBC will judge quality based on a mix of inspection records with Care Inspectorate Wales, feedback from service users and how well providers comply with employment laws.
The hourly rate BCBC will be willing to pay will be based on the living wage, as well as the recommendations of the National Commissioning Board (which decides what a “fair price” for care is across Wales).
As of 2025-26, this is set at between £29.27 and £30.90 per hour of care provided. BCBC currently spends just under £11.3 million per year on independent domiciliary care.
Subject to approval, a tender could be ready in September 2025, with decisions on awards made early in 2026.
