Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: June 3, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: Cabinet; a)    Approved the recommissioning of a Support Provider to deliver a service that provides people with a history of rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping who have multiple complex and medium to high needs at Oasis House. The new contract will be for 3 years 6 months from 1 October 2025 with break clauses and an option to extend for 1 year subject to internal/external budgets. b)    Authorised the Director of Housing and Communities to commence the tender process with the new contract being put in place by 1 October 2025. c)     Following the completion of a compliant procurement process, authorises the delegation to the Director of Housing and Communities, in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Cabinet Member for Housing, to undertake the necessary due diligence to finalise the terms and condition and award a contract for a period of 3 years 6 months to the preferred supplier with possible one-year extension, subject to the success and performance of the service and confirmation of further funding.   REASONS RESOLVED:   1.     The proposed service aligns to the key themes and priorities contained within the Council’s One West Northants Plan, Housing Strategy 2022-2025 and Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy 2024-2027 on preventing homelessness and reducing rough sleeping. 2.     Continuity of service provision during this period of recommissioning the service, engagement and then retendering is vital for this cohort of service users, without which they may experience homelessness and increased vulnerability. 3.     The recommendations allow WNC to address the gaps in single rough sleeping and homelessness pathway provision. 4.     WNC will be able to achieve better outcomes for people living at Oasis House and enable them to move on to sustainable and independent living. Additionally, the service will form an essential part of a wider strategic response to homelessness and rough sleeping and will complement internal and external services. 5.     Timely conclusion of the procurement via delegated authority to award contract.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: ·       Option 1- not recommended - Do nothing. This is considered an unsatisfactory option because of the adverse impact on the residents at Oasis House. The delivery of a provision that is targeted at single people is a key component in how we deliver on our statutory duties under the Homelessness Reduction Act and the Housing Act.   Not tendering for support service that is focused on the needs of this client cohort and allowing the service to lapse at the end of the current contract would result in increased costs. The financial implications of accommodating 58 individuals in alternative temporary housing would impose a significant cost on the Council. Costs estimates might range from: • the lowest HMO rate with full HB recovery of £20.16 x 205 nights x 59 people = £243,835 (Over a year it would cost £434,145) • the highest rate of B&B rate with no HB recovery will range between £42- £50 calculated as follows: - £42 x 205 nights x 59 = £507,990 (Over a year it would cost £904,470) - £50 x 205 nights x 59 people = £604,750 (Over a year it would cost £1,076,750) Additionally, it would have broader repercussions on public services, including ‘blue light’ services, community safety, mental health provision and substance misuse services. There is also a considerable reputational risk to the Council where the numbers of single residents who are made homeless increases and instances of reported rough sleeping increase.   ·       Option 2- not recommended To deliver the support service in-house. This will require significant investment to set up and deliver an in-house specialist support e.g. financial implications as setting up service is likely to cost more than a commissioned service. The complex nature of the client group requires expertise and capacity, although there is expertise around this client group, there is not current in-house experience of providing a support service of this scale. As such, this is not a viable option at this time.   ·       Option 3- recommended Undertake a competitive procurement exercise and enter into a contract with an external support provider to deliver the service. The delivery of the support provision at Oasis House is a key component of the Council's homelessness response as well as its commitment to ending rough sleeping. Commissioning a new provider to deliver the service allows an opportunity to ensure that there is little or no disruption in the delivery of the service, while also allowing adjustments to the terms of the contract and the delivery model to better reflect strategic priorities and increasing demand.