Purpose

Sefton is seeking to procure a highly supported and psychologically informed accommodation service, which aims to support women with complex and multiple needs, which will include Domestic Abuse in Sefton. All provision is to be delivered in line with DLUHC’s statutory guidance for the delivery of support to victims of Domestic Abuse in Domestic Abuse safe accommodation services.

Decision

Decision(s):

(1)  That the Assistant Director People (Communities) be authorised to conduct a procurement exercise for a Complex Domestic Abuse Accommodation Service with a view to entering into a contract for a maximum period of 4 years comprising an initial 2 year period with an option to extend for up to 2 periods of 12 months.

(2)  That the Assistant Director People (Communities) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing be granted delegated authority to award the Contract resulting from the procurement and to award any extension thereof.

Reasons for the Decision(s):

The recommendations within Sefton’s Domestic Abuse Needs Assessment regarding accommodation included:

·       The safe accommodation offer in Sefton should be improved. Bed & Breakfast should not be used to house those affected by domestic abuse.

·       Pathways and mechanisms into specialist domestic abuse services should be reviewed.

·       Using Council of Europe calculation with minimum recommendation of one space per 10,000 population, this equates to 28 refuge spaces for Sefton.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: (including any Risk Implications)

The alternative option is not to procure the service and continue to have unmet need in the borough.