Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 25, 2025

Purpose: To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health seeking approval to award the Southampton Substance Use Disorder Services Contract.

Content: (i)  Subject to Council approval below, to approve recommissioning of the Children and Young Person Substance Use Disorder service under the Provider Selection Regime Direct Award process and to delegate authority to the Executive Director for Community Wellbeing, Children and Learning to award the contract following completion of this process. (ii)  Subject to Council approval below, to approve the recommissioning of the Adults Substance Disorder Service by open tender and to delegate authority to the Executive Director for Community Wellbeing, Children and Learning to award the contract following completion of this process. (iii)  To delegate authority to the Executive Director for Community Wellbeing, Children & Learning following consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member to take all actions required to effect the proposals in the report.

Reasons for the decision: Local Authorities have a statutory requirement to commission services which improve public health, including services for those with drug or alcohol substance use disorders. The current contracts for these services end on 30th June 2026 and therefore services need to be recommissioned and new contracts awarded.   Delegated authority in advance of contract award is being sought as the Council meeting schedule is such that a decision following completion of the procurement process does not align with the required mobilisation period for the new contract.

Alternative options considered: The Provider Selection Regime is the relevant legislation that governs how healthcare services are procured in England. Local authority commissioned Public Health services fall within scope of the legislative definition of Healthcare services and therefore there are no alternative procurement routes.   Seeking authority to award the contract following completion of the procurement process is not recommended as this would require further extension of existing contracts. All existing contracts have reached the end of their maximum allowable term, therefore, further extension of these would breach the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.