Purpose

Approval of the continuation of additional
spending via an allowed for modification to the substance misuse
contract will allow the continued delivery of services additional
to the core contract. This will allow East Sussex County Council to
meet the outcomes outlined in the previous Government’s drug
and alcohol strategy, reduce drug and alcohol related deaths in the
county and secure the most positive outcomes for residents affected
by drug and alcohol misuse.

Decision

Approval of the continuation of additional
spend from the substance misuse budget. This spend will allow
specialist commissioned services to continue to meet the aims of
the Government’s drug strategy. As well as meeting strategic
aims, it will also reduce drug and alcohol related deaths in East
Sussex and allow those affected by substance misuse to achieve
positive outcomes.

Alternative options considered

A separate tender process was considered but
rejected as the current service is performing well and reaching the
desired outcomes. Such a process would also potentially require the
ceasing of support currently being delivered which would create
confusion and uncertainty amongst service users, resulting in
poorer outcomes.

The contract has provision for modification and this option was
deemed the most effective option when considering current delivery,
value for money and service user consistency.