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 a contract for Southampton Early Advice and Support (SEAS) which brings together several voluntary sector early help and preventative services.

Content: (i)  Subject to Council approval below, to approve recommissioning the contract and grants set out in the report for Southampton Early Advice and Support service following a procurement under the Competitive Flexible Procedure of the Procurement Act 2023. (ii)  To delegate authority to the Executive Director for Community Wellbeing, Children & Learning, following consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, to authorise the award of a contract for the Southampton Early Advice and Support service to the highest scoring bidder and to take all actions required to effect the proposals in the report.

Reasons for the decision: The Council has a statutory requirement to prevent or delay the development of needs for care and support and a general duty to provide advice and information on care and support available. The current contracts and grants designed to fulfil these duties end on 31st March 2026 and need to be recommissioned to ensure continued provision. Following extensive engagement with the Voluntary, Community & Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector as well as those who use services, the alliance approach to commissioning the service has been established as likely to be the most effective in establishing a strong preventative service for Southampton residents. This is based on the local engagement which highlighted the importance of building upon existing alliance-type approaches which are delivering effectively already as well as utilising the LGA’s toolkit for commissioning and providing information and advice services.   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 Council has a statutory duty to prevent or delay the development of needs for care and support and a general duty to provide advice and information on care and support available. Recommissioning these services individually, as happens now, has been considered but rejected as it will not enable the transformation needed to maximise the preventative opportunities from bringing organisations together.   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.