Purpose

To approve the Education Transport Framework award decision.

Decision

RESOLVED that the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Health approve the contract award of the Education Transport Framework ahead of its commencement on 1st August 2026.

The Executive Director: People, in consultation with the Executive Member for Children, Young People and Health, be authorised to exercise the options to extend the framework contract for the additional three year and two year periods under delegated authority.

Reasons for the decision

In accordance with BFC contract standing orders, the decision to approve the contract award is delegated to the Cabinet Member: Children, Young People and Health.

Bids were reviewed by the Framework Tender Evaluation team and only bids which met the requirements of the specification were accepted onto the framework.

Local authorities in England have statutory duties in relation to education transport under the Education Act 1996 and associated statutory guidance. Their core responsibility is to make suitable and free transport arrangements where these are necessary to enable eligible children of compulsory school age to attend school.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing, let existing Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) lapse - If no action is taken and the current DPS and associated contracts would lapse leading to a significant failure in the Council meeting its statutory duties. This would lead to significant challenges from parents and carers, as well as increased pressure on other Council services.

Re-commission using a Dynamic Market – a Dynamic Market allows for new providers to join at any time which is resource intensive and may result in reduced quality assurance and monitoring. Under a Dynamic Market arrangement, it is not permissible to issue below-threshold call-off contracts. This restriction would not be suitable for this service, given the operational requirement to award contracts of varying values, including those that may fall below the relevant procurement thresholds.

Spot purchase transport provision - Best value for money is unlikely to be achieved. This may result in reduced quality assurance and monitoring. This may also cause delays in delivering essential services for Children & Young People and their families.