Issue - meetings

          The Sub Committee considered a report of the Strategic Director Communities which requested an extension of the existing Link Involvement Network (LINk) Contract. The Sub Committee had previously approved an extension to the original LINk Host Contract with Halton and St Helens Voluntary & Community Action (VCA), jointly contracted with St Helens Council, to take the contract to the end of March 2012 (Minute ES22 refers).

          Subsequently the Government had announced that there would be an extended transition period from Link to HealthWatch with the establishment of HealthWatch now taking place in October 2012, 6 months after it was originally anticipated. The extension left a potential 6 month gap (April to October 2012) in LINk provision in Halton which needed to be addressed.

          It was reported that St Helen’s Council were keen to extend the jointly contracted Host contract with Halton and the Halton LINk Host had confirmed that they would accept an extension. In addition to date there had not been any performance issues with the LINk Host.

          RESOLVED: That approval be given to extend Halton and St Helens Council’s existing Host Contract by 6 months from April 2012-October 2012, plus an option for 6 x 1 month extensions if required.

          This item was deferred until the next meeting.