Purpose

The decision to
be taken is:

1. Approval of an extension to the contract with Peabody Trust for
Severe and Multiple Disadvantage Service and Intensive Housing
Support Service for a period of 6 months commencing on 1st October
2025.

2. Delegates authority to the Executive Director Adults and
Communities to finalise the terms of the extension and enter into
the contract.

This is to facilitate the requirements under the Procurement Act
for the procurement being undertaken for a future contract.

Content

1. That an extension of the
contract for Severe and Multiple Disadvantage Service and Intensive
Housing Support Service, with Peabody Trust for a period of 6
months commencing on 1 October 2025 be approved.
 
2. That authority be delegated
to the Executive Director Adults and Communities to finalise the
terms of the extension and enter into the contract.

Reasons for the decision

Work has been undertaken to
review and re-design the current service specification, however
unavoidable delays occasioned by agreeing the source and extent of
funding for the new service, and changes to procurement regulations
which require additional time to implement a tender process, has
meant that the proposed new contract start date of 1st October is
unachievable.
 
Extending the contract will
allow adequate time to deliver a successful tender process and
helps make sure there’s no break in support for people with
serious and complex needs.
 
Due to the above delays, we are
within the three-month notice period required to serve notice for
the incumbent provider.
 
For this reason, an urgent
decision facilitated through the general exception route is
requested to ensure communications are made with current providers
promptly, and that the extension is granted so there is adequate
time to deliver an effective tender process for the new
service.

Alternative options considered

Do nothing and continue with
tender for contract award on 1st October 2025 or decommission the
service.