Purpose

To seek authority to direct an award of contract for the provision of Street Outreach, Housing Advice and Resettlement Services for rough sleepers.

Decision

That the Corporate Director Resident Services:

i)             Notes the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security has granted an exemption from the requirement to tender for a contract for the provision of street outreach, housing advice and resettlement services for rough sleepers.

ii)            Notes the Contract Standing Order 89 considerations.

iii)           Approves the direct award of the contract for the provision of street outreach, housing advice and resettlement services for a period of 13 months from 1 April 2024 to 30 April 2025 in the sum of £390,420.90 including VAT to St Mungo Community Housing Association.

Reasons for the decision

The Council requires the provision of street outreach, housing advice and resettlement services. Council officers have sought and obtained an exemption from the requirement to tender from the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security for the reasons detailed in the Cabinet Membe report.

Alternative options considered

Officers considered whether the services could be provided by the Council itself but concluded that the services were best provided by a contractor. Officers reviewed a range of procurement options but consider that a direct award is the most appropriate means of procuring the services.