Decision

Cabinet:

1)    Approved the recommissioning of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Short Breaks Services through a competitive procurement process.

2)    Approved the establishment of a new contractual arrangement for an initial term of three years with the option to extend for a further two years.

3)    Approved a total contract value of up to £5,095m over the maximum five-year term.

4)    Approved the proposed lotting structure comprising:

Lot 1: Overnight Short Breaks

Lot 2: Community Short Breaks

Lot 3: Holiday Activities

Lot 4: Targeted Support

Lot 5: Family Designed Short Breaks and Innovation

5)    Delegated authority to the Strategic Director, Children’s Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead Member for Children and Young People and the Director of Law and Governance, to:

·       undertake the procurement process;

·       evaluate submissions and award contracts;

·       approve any extension options;

·       make any minor amendments necessary to the final procurement documentation, contract values or lot configuration provided these remain within the approved budget envelope.

Options & Alternatives Considered

Option 1: Do Nothing (not recommended)

This option would involve allowing current arrangements to expire without replacement.

This option is not recommended as it would jeopardise the Council's ability to meet its statutory responsibilities, create significant service disruption for families and expose the Council to legal, financial and reputational risk.

Option 2: Spot Purchasing Arrangements (not recommended)

This option would involve purchasing individual services on an ad hoc basis.

While potentially offering flexibility, it would create significant administrative burden, reduce market stability, limit strategic oversight and provide poor value for money.

Option 3: Competitive Recommissioning Through a Multi-Lot Procurement (recommended)

This option provides continuity of statutory provision whilst enabling innovation, market competition, improved value for money and enhanced co-production.