Purpose

The Cabinet will be asked to
approve arrangements for the procurement, via competitive tender,
of a maximum seven year contract commencing February 2026 for a
Carers’ Support service for unpaid / informal carers in the
Borough.

Content

Cabinet resolved to:
 
(i)  Agree that the
Council proceeds with the procurement of a new, maximum seven-year
Carers Support Service commencing 1 May 2026, in accordance with
the strategy set out in the report;
 
(ii)  Approve the
extension of the existing contract with Carers Centre SA Limited
for a three- month period ending 30 April 2026 at a cost of
£31,625, under the provisions of clause 65.2 of the
Council’s Contract Rules, to enable sufficient time for the
mobilisation of the new long-term contract;
 
(iii)  Delegate authority to the
Strategic Director, Children and Adults, in consultation with the
Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, the
Strategic Director, Resources and the Head of Legal, to:
 
a) 
Award and enter into the new long-term contract and all other
necessary or ancillary agreements with the successful bidder;
 
b) 
Agree any appropriate modifications / additions to the contract
delivery method and/or specification in the event of additional
funding being received throughout the duration of the contract.