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Grant permission to procure the Enhanced
Universal Supervised Toothbrushing Scheme for a term of 20 months
via a competitive tender process.

Reasons for the decision

The council has determined in accordance with
regulation 6 of the Provider Selection Regime that the most
appropriate process to procure Cumberland’s Enhanced
Universal Tooth Brushing Scheme is the Competitive Process under
regulation 11.
 
This service will support Cumberland Councils
plan to improve health and wellbeing, reducing inequalities, and
delivering inclusive, resident-focused services. Further detail
below.
 
Prevention and Early Intervention: Early
intervention can significantly reduce the need for more costly
dental treatments and ease pressure on NHS services.
 
Educational Impact: Improved oral health will
reduce school absences, helping children achieve better educational
outcomes.
 
Address Inequalities: By addressing health
inequalities at a young age, the service will contribute to broader
health equity goals.

Alternative options considered

The other procurement options considered were
determined by the PSR rules which stipulate the relevant authority
can use a competitive process when not required to follow direct
award processes A or B or if the relevant authority cannot or does
not wish to follow direct award process C or the most suitable
provider process:
 
Direct award A and C: do not apply as there is
not a provider currently delivering a like for like service. There
are elements which are funded through the All Age Oral Health
Improvement Service (AAOHIS). However, this programme is specific
around Supervised Tooth Brushing and does not offer the additional
activity that the AAOHIS does.
 
Direct Award B: does not apply as the Council
does not offer a choice of provider, this is on the basis that the
service is commissioned to be delivered by one provider only to
properly meet the needs of the population. Particularly as the
Council considers challenges relating to rurality and variation in
socio-economic circumstances in the county.
 
Most Suitable Provider Process: the Council
does not have enough evidence and knowledge to identify the most
suitable provider within the timescales.