Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek approval, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 7.7.1 (Scheule 1), for the award of contract to the winning bidder as identified in Appendix B for Knowsley Short Break Services for Children with Disabilities (Lot 1, Lot 2 and Lot 3) from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2030, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 24 months in aggregate, to 31 October 2032.

The reason for the decision is that a compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 7, and the winning bidder has been identified as providing the most advantageous offer to the Council.

Decision

(i)       That, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule Schedule 1 7.7.1, a call off contract be awarded to the winning bidder as identified in Appendix B for Knowsley Short Break Services for Children with Disabilities (Lot 1, Lot 2 and Lot 3) from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2030, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 24 months in aggregate, to 31 October 2032.

(ii)       That the Procurement Team be authorised to make the necessary arrangements for the issue of the relevant contract documentation after conclusion of the call-in period/ standstill period.

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing:

This option was considered and rejected due to the statutory duty under the Children Act 1989 for the Local Authority to provide (as part of a range of services for families) breaks from caring for carers of disabled children; and to support them to continue to care for their children at home and to allow them to do so more effectively.??

It would also have negative impact on the children/young people and families accessing the service should this cease or be disrupted. Additionally, there would potentially be a financial and reputational risk.?

Deliver in house:

This option was considered and rejected because there is no current capacity within the Council to provide this service. Whilst the Council does have its own internal respite offer, this would not provide adequate support to meet the demand for short breaks.