Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 3, 2026

Purpose: The report seeks to clarify procurement arrangements for specified services to enable continuation of service delivery.

Content: (a)    That Cabinet approves the budget and funding allocations to procurements within Appendix 1 and delegates authority to the Executive Director of People – Children’s, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education & Skills and the Corporate Director Finance & Commercial / Chief Financial Officer & S151 officer to procure and award contracts, or release agreed funding to third parties delivering services, for any procurement within Cabinet approved Appendix 1 provided the cost is contained within the Children’s Services budget..   (b)    That the re-opening of the existing, previously approved procurement framework to support ongoing commissioning activity within Children’s Services, without the requirement of further Cabinet approval of openings, be approved.   (c)    That Cabinet notes that these frameworks had already been formally established in line with procurement regulations and governance procedures.   Independent non maintained special school and specialist post 16 placements.   (d)    That Cabinet notes that the arrangements for securing placements at independent non maintained special schools and specialist post 16 providers which was operated in accordance with the Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) Scheme of Delegation (as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the Cabinet report of 3 March 2026).   Reason for the decision   To draw together several previous delegations against individual Children’s Services budgets to ensure consistency of approach and to ensure appropriate oversight and authority was in place to allow sufficient services to be procured to meet the needs of children and young people.