Purpose

To request authority to vary and extend a contract in respect of Supported Living Services for adults with Learning Disabilities and Sensory Loss at Clement Close with Sense.

Decision

That the Director of Adult Social Care:

i)             Approves the variation of the contract with Sense for Supported Living Services for adults with Learning Disabilities and Sensory Loss at Clement Close to permit an extension of the contract.

ii)            Approves the extension of the contract with Sense for Supported Living Services for adults with Learning Disabilities and Sensory Loss at Clement Close for a period of 7 months from 20 December 2023 until 21 July 2024.

Reasons for the decision

The Council entered into a contract for Supported Living Services for adults with Learning Disabilities and Sensory Loss at Clement Close with Sense on 21 December 2018 for a 6 year period o a 4+1+1 basis. Officers extended the contract pursuant to its terms to 20 December 2023.

Officers consider extending the contract by a further seven months will achieve best value for the Council and is reasonable in all the circumstances.

To ensure continued best value and address under occupancy, the contract was varied in consultation with the provider in December 2022. The variation expands the placement criteria to include people who do not have a sensory impairment, while ensuring the ethos of the service is maintained. The variation also allows for contract payments to better reflect occupancy levels.

Alternative options considered

Officers considered whether to re-procure the service but concluded that extending the existing contract provided the most appropriate means of continuing to deliver and ensure continuity of the service. Officers will undergo a procurement exercise that will not be accomplished before the current term expires, so this is the most effective option.