Purpose

The council’s Housing
Related Support contracts expire on 31st March
2026.  In the meantime, permission was
given to direct award contracts with the proviso that a thorough
review of the sector was undertaken with a view to exploring
further co-production and joint commissioning opportunities. Key
Decisions
OKD35 – 24/25 and
OKD45 – 24/25 refer.  These
contracts will now be brought in line with the contract cycle of
the other homelessness and domestic abuse services (Housing Related
Support Services). This alignment is essential and has enabled a
comprehensive review of all Housing Related Support Services with
partners and co-funders.
 
The review has now been
completed and further co-funding opportunities have been
identified. A range of new services are being designed in
partnership with stakeholders, providers and those with Lived
Experience. It is considered that these services will better meet
the needs of vulnerable customers in West Sussex, as well as
helping to meet shared partner priorities and prevent clients
having to access acute settings.
 
The Cabinet Member for Adults
Services is asked to agree the commencement of the procurement and
delegate the award of contract(s) to the Executive Director
Adults’ Services and Health.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Adults Services has
approved;
 
(1) 
the commencement of an open competitive tender process compliant
with the Procurement Act 2023 for a range of Housing Related
Support (HRS) contracts in West Sussex with contract start dates of
1st September 2026, as set out in section 2 of this
report; and
 
(2) 
the delegation of authority to award and extend the contract(s),
within the contract(s) terms, to the Executive Director
Adults’ Services and Health.