Brent Council has approved plans to enhance its telecare services, aiming to support vulnerable residents and their carers in maintaining independence at home. The decision, made during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, will see the continuation and development of these vital assistive technologies, with a particular focus on leveraging new opportunities in the sector.
Councillor Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure, presented the report, highlighting the importance of enabling residents to live safely and independently for as long as possible. He explained that advancements in technology offer a more responsive way to support this independence, with the telecare service having evolved beyond basic alarm systems to a more flexible offer that enhances safety, provides reassurance, and helps people stay well.
By working in partnership with Harrow Council, we can build on existing arrangements, avoid disruption to residents who rely on these services and benefit from a more joined up approach,
Councillor Nerva stated. By partnering with Harrow Council, Brent aims to ensure continuity of service for residents and benefit from economies of scale, which means greater reliability and better continuity of service.
The telecare service is intended as a first-line offer for all residents who wish to use it, not exclusively for those eligible for funded care. Councillor Nerva stressed that the service is available to anyone who wants to use it, regardless of their eligibility for funded care.
The proposed contract is structured as a 3-plus-1-plus-1 arrangement, designed to allow the council to leverage new opportunities in assistive technology. This structure is particularly timely in light of the upcoming analog to digital switchover, a key consideration supported by Councillor Mili Patel, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources. Councillor Patel noted the proposal's alignment with the council's commitment to prevention work in adult social care and promoting independence.
A minor amendment was made to the delegation wording in the report to reflect the council's oversight role. The report detailing the Authority to Tender for Telecare services can be found here.
