Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 10, 2024

Purpose: Cabinet is recommended to:   (1)  Approve the proposal to directly award a new five year contract to the incumbent substance misuse provider, CGL, using the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Regulations 2023;   (2)  Note progress and approach in protecting our communities from alcohol and drug related harm, delivered through the Combating Drugs Partnership.    

Content: Cabinet: (1)          noted the approach and progress of the Strategic Partnership Boards’ priority to protect communities from alcohol and drug related harm through the Combating Drugs Partnership; and (2)          endorsed the proposed award of a new five-year contract to the incumbent drug and alcohol service provider, Change Grow Live (CGL), using the Provider Selection Regime Direct Award option, which is provided for under the Health and Care Act 2022.   Options & Alternatives Considered Officers considered three other procurement options: Option 1: Do nothing There are no advantages for this option. Doing nothing is disadvantageous as it means the Council would fail to fulfil its statutory requirement to commission alcohol and substance use services for our population and would mean that people who use drugs and/or alcohol would not have access to services which would leave vulnerable people without vital support. This object was rejected.   Option 2: Bring service in-house  This option would have the potential for swift integration with other areas of the council, that may otherwise take time to build.   However, the cost of this option is prohibitive and would be a highly unusual step for a Local Authority to take.  This option was rejected.   Option 3: Full tender process This option has the potential to stimulate the market and provides alternative modelling options for commissioners.    However, it would risk destabilising the existing provider workforce and would have a negative effect on well established, well-functioning strategic and operational partnerships. It would also take considerable time and resource of officers to run a competitive process. On that basis this option was also rejected.