Decision

DECLARATIONS FOR THIS ITEM:

NONE

RESOLVED:

The Cabinet Member for Children and Schools:

1. Approved entering into a contract with London Borough of Enfield (Enfield Council) to provide the Deaf Outreach Services to Schools in Enfield Council in accordance with Contract Standing Order 2.01(c). The contract shall run for an initial period of two (2) years commencing on the 1st September 2026 and expiring on 31st August 2028 with the option to extend up to a further one (1) year plus another one (1) year (maximum of total four (4) years, if fully extended). The annual contract value is £376,000, with an estimated maximum total contract value of £1,504,000 (exclusive of VAT and any indexations that might be agreed) over the full four (4) year term, should both extension options be exercised.

Reasons for decision:

1. Enfield and Haringey Council work closely together with the children who are identified as deaf or hearing impaired. Following a competitive procurement process conducted by Enfield Council, Haringey council has been successful in securing a contract for these services for up to 4 years inclusive (inclusive of the extension). Haringey Council also have the option to renegotiate cost in line with inflation or significant changes in caseload.

Alternative options considered:

1. Do nothing: Haringey Council has delivered the Deaf Outreach Service to Enfield Council for over 20 years and has established a strong working relationship with the borough.If Haringey Council chose not to enter into a new contract and allows the current contract to expire, this could result in staffing implications, including potential redundancies and the loss of specialist expertise, as staff work across both boroughs.

 Additionally, it would have a significant impact on Enfield Council, which would be required to secure an alternative provider at very short notice, potentially within a matter of days. This may lead to disruption in service provision, reduced continuity of support for deaf children and young people in Enfield Council.

Furthermore, there is also a risk of reputational damage to Haringey Council and harm to its longstanding relationship with a neighbouring borough, particularly as Haringey has participated in the procurement process, has been successful in its tender submission, and has agreed in principle to continue delivering the service.

Given the significant operational, staffing, service continuity and reputational risks outlined above, this option is not recommended.