Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: July 16, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: Cabinet:   a)              Approved the commencement of a competitive procurement process, jointly with North Northamptonshire Council to tender for a Safe Accommodation (refuge) and Support Services to start 4th April 2026 for a period of 3 (plus 1 plus 1) years. b)              Following the completion of a robust procurement process, delegated authority to the Director of Housing and Communities in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Portfolio Holder for Housing to undertake the necessary due diligence and to award the contract and take relevant actions, including but not limited to finalising the terms of, and entering into, required contracts or other legal agreements with the preferred supplier, as necessary to implement the decision. The supplier will be assessed against a range of quality criteria, minimising the risk to both Councils while ensuring the effective delivery of safe accommodation and support services across Northamptonshire.   REASONS RESOLVED:   1.     This proposal will enable officers to jointly procure services with North Northamptonshire Council colleagues in the Stronger and Safer Communities and Procurement teams, combining resources to develop a service that meets the needs of both authority areas. This collaborative approach will maximise efficiencies and ensure the use of the most effective and compliant procurement route to secure safe accommodation and support services across Northamptonshire. 2.     To ensure West Northamptonshire Council fulfil its responsibilities under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and to provide enhanced support in safe accommodation which includes refuges and support, safe move-on accommodation as well as victims/survivors living in their own homes. 3.     Enables the pooling of resources and funding with North Northants Council, creating opportunities to deliver a more consistent and efficient service provision across Northamptonshire, while also achieving better value for money. WNC will retain control over its local budget, ensuring that funding remains flexible and responsive to emerging local needs. 4.     To enable West Northamptonshire Council to address gaps and implement recommendations identified in the domestic abuse needs assessments and the wider pathway provision.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:   Option 1: not recommended Do nothing. This is considered an unsatisfactory option because of the adverse impact on the victims/survivors of domestic abuse in both West and North Northants. The delivery of a single contract that is targeted at victims/survivors of domestic abuse is a key component in how we deliver on our statutory duties under the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Act. Therefore, discontinuing the service will create a gap in statutory and non-statutory provision which will be detrimental to adults, children and young people impacted by domestic abuse.   Option 2- not recommended Council continues to fund the service under the existing grant arrangement. The existing commissioning arrangements fail to deliver a whole system model of safe accommodation (refuge) and support service for victims/survivors of domestic abuse that addresses demand and need. It also does not provide the same opportunities as a joint procurement would to realise efficiencies going forward.   Option 3- recommended For the Council to enter into joint procurement arrangements with North Northamptonshire Council. This will combine both Council’s resources and budgets to develop a whole system approach to safe accommodation services (including refuge) and support which meets the needs of both authority areas whilst maximising efficiencies and impact.