Purpose

The Cabinet will be asked to approve the retrospective waiver of Contract Rules to enable the Council to continue with the spot purchase of Bed and Breakfast and nightly paid temporary accommodation until 31 July 2027.

Decision

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Retrospectively approve, for the period October 2025 to April 2026, the procurement by spot purchase of bed and breakfast (B&B) and nightly paid temporary accommodation (TA) for homeless households in fulfilment of the Council’s statutory duty to provide them with emergency accommodation;

(ii)  Waive the requirement to tender in accordance with paragraph 33.5 of the Council’s Contract Rules and agree that the Council continues with the spot purchase of B&B and nightly paid TA until 31 July 2027;

(iii)  Authorise the Director of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, the Strategic Director, Resources and the Director of Law and Governance, to conduct the procurement and award and enter into the contract(s) and all other necessary or ancillary agreements to fully implement and effect the proposals; and

(iv)  Note that between now and July 2027, officers shall design, execute and embed a fully compliant procurement route-to-market, ensuring that all subsequent contract awards align with the Council’s Contract Rules and statutory obligations.