Decision

That following the
successful completion of a procurement exercise for the provision
of a mental health helpline, that a contract is awarded to Age UK
Torbay.

Reasons for the decision

Following the
successful completion of a Most Advantageous Tender for Torbay, the
decision to award the contract should be taken to allow
continuation of the Service.

Alternative options considered

The alternatives
considered were:
 
Do not procure any
service - this option would provide cost savings to both public
health and the Local Authority General Fund.  However, it
would erode any good work brought about by the contract to date,
eradicating low level support for residents of Torbay which would
likely, in turn, increase demand for and pressure on already
stretched mental health (and potentially social care)
services.  The likelihood was that this would decrease
productivity in the communities affected due to time off or
inability to work due to unsupported mental health
issues.  This option was discounted.
 
Procure a service with
a reduced cost basis - this option would also provide cost savings
to either or both public health and the Local Authority General
Fund.  It would however reduce the impact and
effectiveness of the service. Cost saving was not the desired
outcome in this process and funding had been secured and baselined
in both the general fund and public health
budgets.  Depending on the value of the reduction in
funding the impact on both effectiveness and outcomes, would be
proportionate to the reduction.  Therefore, this option
was discounted.
 
Procure the service on
a like for like basis - this option would not cost more money than
was already agreed in the baseline spend for both the General Fund
and the Public Health Grant.  The gains made through
supporting the service to date could be maintained, it would most
likely allow the voluntary sector capacity to obtain sustained,
longer term secure funding.  This was the preferred
option.
 
Decision -
Re-procurement of Mental Health Helpline