Purpose

This decision is to enact a 2-year contract
extension of the Habilitation Service, provided by Guide Dogs for
the Blind to support children and young people with visual
impairments and their families, from 1st April 2026 - 31st March
2028. This enables Bristol City Council to meet legislative duties
under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of
Practice 2015.

Content

Approval has been given for a 2-year contract
extension.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - To not enact the 2-year contract
extension and cease to provide the service. This was rejected as
the current provider is performing well and delivering good
outcomes for young people, with service users reporting positive
outcomes. Ceasing to provide the service would not allow us to meet
our statutory duties.
Option 2 - Recommission immediately with an alternative provider.
This was rejected as the current provider is performing well and
delivering good outcomes for young people, with service users
reporting positive outcomes. This option was also rejected due to
resource constraints and risk of service disruption.
Option 3 - Bring in-house. This option was rejected due to lack of
internal capacity and specialist expertise.
Option 4 - enact a 2-year contract extension of the Habilitation
Service, provided by Guide Dogs for the Blind to support children
and young people.