Content

15.1

The
Assistant Director of Commissioning, Children and Families
introduced the report which highlighted to the Committee that the
Framework is in an extension year of a 4-year contract which
requires recommissioning to ensure compliance with procurement
regulations.
 

15.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Adult Health
and Social Care Policy Committee:-

Note
that the Education, Children and Families Committee on 5th November
2024, the recommissioning of a 4 year plus a potential extension
year of the Short Breaks Framework Agreement through competitive
tender process with the open market.
Note
that the Education, Children and Families Committee on 5th November
2024 approved the inclusion of Outward Bounds at a static level
over 4 years and Activity Based Residential Short Breaks on the new
Framework.
Note
that the Education, Children and Families Committee on 5th November
2024 approved the overall 4-year budget £5,750,000 for Lots1
and 2 on the new Framework. Lot 3 Activity Based Residential Short
Breaks budget to be identified and agreed at a further
date.

15.3

Reasons for Decision

15.3.1

The
Framework Agreement has expired and must be recommissioned to meet
procurement regulations. Our understanding of need, demand and the
lived experience of children and families living with disabilities
has developed over the years, along with our experience and
understanding of effectively managing a Framework Agreement to
commission services for children with disabilities. It's essential
that this learning, and evidence be translated into a new
commissioning arrangement that is fit for purpose for the next four
years.

15.3.2

It’s essential that we build sufficiency into the new
Framework to ensure that we meet demand, and prevent furthermore
costly interventions, providing preventative support to families
who need it the most, as per our statutory duty.

15.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

15.4.1

Alternative Option 1:
Further extension of the current contract This is not viable due to
procurement regulations. The current Framework is not currently set
up to flex adequately to meet demand, and the current Lots are not
fit for purpose to fully support inclusion, choice and access.
Outward Bounds and Activity Based Residential Short Breaks have no
formal commissioning Framework for purchasing services and quality
assuring them. Current Providers are lethargic with commissioning
arrangements at present, and some have indicated that they would
not agree to further extension under the terms and conditions of
the current Framework. There is a risk to service continuity and a
reputational risk for the council.

15.4.2

Alternative Option 2: Do nothing This not
viable for the same reasons as above. The Framework must comply
with procurement regulations and is in an extension year of a
4-year contract.