Purpose

To consider a report that seeks Cabinet approval to initiate the procurement of an interim short-term contract for the block-contracted mental health supported accommodation services.  The Council’s existing block contracts for mental health supported accommodation expire on 30 June 2026.

Decision

(a)  That the procurement of an interim short-term contract to ensure continuity when current block arrangements end on 30 June 2026 be approved. The contract will run for 12 months from 1 July 2026 with a single optional 12-month extension, providing an interim 1+1-year arrangement to 30 June 2028 and allowing sufficient time for phased mobilisation of the new model.

(b)  Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care (DASS), in consultation with the Cabinet Lead Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, the Executive Director of Corporate Services, the Council’s Section 151 Officer, and Legal Services, to award the contract.

(c)  Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care to finalise all necessary arrangements for implementation, including (but not limited to) the specification, evaluation methodology, and contractual terms.