Purpose

To seek approval to commission, by means of a
competitive tender process in line with the council’s
contract procedure rules, a housing related support service for
16–25-year-old children in care and care leavers. The
existing service is currently delivered by Connexus and is due to
expire on 28 February 2026.

Decision

That:
 
a) the commissioning of a housing related
accommodation-based support service through an open procurement
process be approved, for a period of up to 84 months, commencing
from the end of the previous contract on 1 March 2026 up to 28
February 2033 with a maximum total cost of £3,041,376 across
the 84-month period;
 
b) authority be delegated to the Corporate
Director of Children’s Services to award a contract for a
housing related support service, following the completion of a
procurement process and;
 
c) that delegated authority is given to the
Corporate Director of Children’s Services to approve any
changes to the commissioning process, or subsequent contract for
the duration, including the option to extend, vary and
terminate.

Alternative options considered

1.   
The service is not recommissioned. This option is not recommended.
This contract supports the council’s commitment to its care
leavers as corporate parent and there would be a lost opportunity
to provide local accommodation and improve outcomes for very
vulnerable children in care and care leavers if the service is not
recommissioned.
 
2.   
The contract with the existing provider is extended. This option is
not possible as the contract does not contain an option to
extend.
 
 
3.   
To deliver as an in-house service. This option is not recommended.
The properties used for this service are owned by the current
provider and they have indicated they will not be made available to
a third party from which to deliver this service.