Purpose

To seek approval to recommission Domestic Abuse Support Services in Herefordshire through a competitive procurement process, delivering a sustainable, integrated system of accommodation and support that meets statutory duties and improves outcomes for victims and their children.

Decision

That: a) the commissioning of Domestic Abuse support services be approved through an open procurement process using a lot-based structure (Lot 1: Safe Accommodation Service and Lot 2: Whole-family community-based support, safe accommodation and housing advocacy), for an initial period of up to 24 months commencing on 1 April 2027 and ending on 31 March 2029, with an estimated maximum cost of £1.23m across the initial contract period. Provision of an optional 48 month (4 year) extension is also provided taking the full contract value to a potential £5.33m. (Note this is the scope of the council commissioned spend however attention is drawn to point 26 below as eligible providers will be able to draw down additional funding as part of the service delivery);

b) authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Community Wellbeing to award the contracts for Domestic Abuse services following completion of the procurement process; approve changes to the commissioning process; manage the contracts once awarded, including varying or terminating them subject to performance, funding availability and compliance with Contract Procedure Rules; and approve any contract extensions provided for within the contracts, for a cumulative period of up to 48 months (four years) beyond the initial term, with an estimated extension value of up to £4.1 million, subject to available funding.

Alternative options considered

1. Do not commission support services for victims of domestic abuse. This option is not recommended, as it would place the Council in breach of its statutory responsibilities under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Part 4 of the Act requires councils to ensure the availability of support for victims and their children within safe accommodation, with dedicated government grant funding provided for this purpose.

2. Commission a single domestic abuse support service. This option is not recommended. Splitting the procurement into two Lots supports competition, encourages partnership and consortium approaches, and enables providers to bid for the areas where they can demonstrate the strongest expertise and value for money. It also provides the Council with greater flexibility to manage different service elements, funding requirements and future demand.

3. To deliver the domestic abuse service within the council. This option is not recommended. Providing services for domestic abuse victim-survivors safely requires specialist knowledge and expertise. At present, the council does not have existing expertise or capacity to deliver the services in-house.