Purpose

The Cabinet will be asked to approve arrangements for the procurement, via competitive tender, of a maximum seven year contract commencing February 2026 for a Carers’ Support service for unpaid / informal carers in the Borough.

Decision

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree that the Council proceeds with the procurement of a new, maximum seven-year Carers Support Service commencing 1 May 2026, in accordance with the strategy set out in the report;

(ii)  Approve the extension of the existing contract with Carers Centre SA Limited for a three- month period ending 30 April 2026 at a cost of £31,625, under the provisions of clause 65.2 of the Council’s Contract Rules, to enable sufficient time for the mobilisation of the new long-term contract;

(iii)  Delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Children and Adults, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Housing, the Strategic Director, Resources and the Head of Legal, to:

a)  Award and enter into the new long-term contract and all other necessary or ancillary agreements with the successful bidder;

b)  Agree any appropriate modifications / additions to the contract delivery method and/or specification in the event of additional funding being received throughout the duration of the contract.