Purpose

The provision of Travel, Transport,
Accommodation and Venue Solutions, across People's
Services.

Decision

1.   
Approves the procurement
strategy as set out in this report for the procurement of transport
and accommodation services.
 

2.   
Approves the award of a contract to Corporate Travel Management
(NORTH) Ltdfrom the 1 March 2025, for a period
of four years with a total spend of up to £1.1m.  

Reasons for the decision

The Local Authority has a duty
to promote contact, under Section 34 of the Children’s Act
1989. Section 34 places a duty on local authorities to allow the
child in its care, reasonable contact with their parents and 'other
persons' prescribed within s34 (1) of the act.

Alternative options considered

1.            
Option 1 –Direct award a contract to
Corporate Travel Management (NORTH) Ltd through the Crown
Commercial Service framework for Travel, Transport, Accommodation and Venue
Solutions - recommended
 
The
award of a contract through the Travel, Transport, Accommodation
and Venue Solutions Framework will regularise service delivery and
provide a more consistent, transparent approach. The CCS provides
negotiated programmes for air, accommodation and rail, including
price match to ensure the Local Authority has access to the best
available rates driving value for money across the service. There
is one provider within Lot 1 and there is no guaranteed minimum
spend values.
 
2.            
Option 2 – Run an open procedure to
establish an H&F framework – not
recommended
 
The
council’s volumes are not sufficiently high enough to drive
competition within the market, posing a risk to increased costs and
lack of sufficient coverage to meet the individual booking
requirements. This option is therefore not recommended.
 
3.            
Option 2 - Do nothing
- not
recommended
 
If
the Framework is not procured, the service will continue to use
spot purchasing for this delivery area. This includes higher rate
booking fees and is not in line with the new Procurement Regulation
coming into effect in 2025.