Purpose

Sefton is seeking to procure a highly supported and
psychologically informed accommodation service, which aims to
support women with complex and multiple needs, which will include
Domestic Abuse in Sefton. All provision is to be delivered in line
with DLUHC’s statutory guidance for the delivery of support
to victims of Domestic Abuse in Domestic Abuse safe accommodation
services.

Decision

Decision(s):

 

(1) 
That the Assistant Director People (Communities) be
authorised to conduct a procurement exercise for a
Complex Domestic Abuse Accommodation Service
with a view to entering into a contract for a
maximum period of 4 years comprising an initial 2 year period with
an option to extend for up to 2 periods of 12 months.
 

(2) 
That the Assistant Director People (Communities) in
consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing
be granted delegated authority to award the Contract resulting from
the procurement and to award any extension thereof.
 

 
Reasons for the Decision(s):
 
The recommendations within
Sefton’s Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment regarding
accommodation included:
 

·      
The safe accommodation offer in Sefton should be
improved. Bed & Breakfast should not be used to house those
affected by domestic abuse.

·      
Pathways and mechanisms into specialist domestic
abuse services should be reviewed.

·      
Using Council of Europe calculation with minimum
recommendation of one space per 10,000 population, this equates to
28 refuge spaces for Sefton.
 
Alternative Options
Considered and Rejected: (including any
Risk Implications)
 
The alternative option is not
to procure the service and continue to have unmet need in the
borough.