Purpose

Additional funding for the remaining contract period to reduce cost pressures.

Decision

That the Cabinet Member for Health & Communities approves the amendment of the Domestic Abuse Support Services Lot 2 contract by increasing the contract value by £0.251m over 18 months from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2027 at an additional cost to the Public Health Reserve (Community Safety). This is in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and subject to the approval of a Business Case in accordance with Protocol 10 of the Council’s Financial Regulations prior to implementation of the modification.

Reasons for the decision

To ensure that comprehensive support continues to be available to meet need and statutory duties, skilled workers can be retained, victim’s needs can be met, and the current service can be maintained, whilst meeting the provider’s financial obligations including employer NIC.

To provide stability and certainty to the domestic abuse support service providers until the end of the current contract. 

Alternative options considered

Option 1 – Do nothing.  This option would, in effect, result in a reduction in current service provision.  It would leave significant gaps in provision resulting in some victims not receiving appropriate support, the loss of skilled workers and increase the need for re-procurement to ensure funding was effectively utilised to meet statutory requirements. Given the levels of demand on the service this is not a preferred option. 

Option 2 – Remodel the service. This option would likely result in a reduction in service as to remain within the existing budget it is highly probable the staff head count and/or access to services would need to be reduced. A remodel would also take time and need engagement from providers putting services from October at risk. This is not a preferred option.