Purpose

This report seeks approval to procure a
provider for the management of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT)
sites across North Yorkshire.
This procurement will appoint a provider to:
•Manage North Yorkshire Council’s GRT sites.
•Deliver integrated domestic abuse support.
The provider will be responsible for:
•Day-to-day site management and operational staffing.
•Delivering IDVA/ISVA-standard domestic abuse support.
•Providing group sessions, parenting support, and educational
activities.
•Supporting a “Whole Family Approach” to improve
outcomes for victims and children.
The domestic abuse support element is grant funded and subject to
future funding availability.
The current contract with Horton Housing is due to expire. A new
procurement is required to ensure continuity of service and
compliance with procurement regulations. The service is essential
to support vulnerable residents and maintain safe, well-managed
sites.
The provider will collect rent directly from residents and manage
tenancy agreements. They will also manage utility contracts,
sub-metering, and recharges to tenants, ensuring accurate billing
and payment to suppliers.
The domestic abuse support element is funded through an annual
grant of £50,000. However, this funding is not guaranteed for
the full contract term and is subject to annual confirmation.
The contract will run for an initial period of two years, with the
option to extend for up to two additional one-year periods, subject
to performance and funding availability.

Decision

To approve the procurement of a single
supplier contract to deliver Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) site
management services, including associated domestic abuse support,
and agreement to enter into a contract, in accordance with the
Council’s Procurement and Contract Procedure Rules, for the
management of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller sites across North
Yorkshire.

Reasons for the decision

The decision is required to ensure consistent,
safe and effective management of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller sites
across North Yorkshire, including the provision of appropriate
domestic abuse support. Procuring a single supplier contract will
provide clarity of accountability, improve service resilience,
support safeguarding arrangements, and deliver value for money,
while ensuring compliance with the Council’s Procurement and
Contract Procedure Rules and relevant statutory duties.

Alternative options considered

Alternative options considered and rejected
included continuing with multiple providers or disparate local
arrangements and bringing the service in house. These options were
rejected due to increased complexity, reduced consistency across
sites, higher management and commissioning overheads, greater risk
to safeguarding and service resilience, and poorer value for money.
A single supplier contract was assessed as the most effective way
to ensure consistent standards, clear accountability, and a
sustainable service model across North Yorkshire