Content

RESOLVED: Cabinet:
 

a)             
Approved the commencement of a competitive
procurement process, jointly with North Northamptonshire Council to
tender for a Safe Accommodation (refuge) and Support Services to
start 4th April 2026 for a period of 3 (plus 1 plus 1)
years.

b)             
Following the completion of a robust procurement
process, delegated authority to the Director of Housing and
Communities in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and
Portfolio Holder for Housing to undertake the necessary due
diligence and to award the contract and take relevant actions,
including but not limited to finalising the terms of, and entering
into, required contracts or other legal agreements with the
preferred supplier, as necessary to implement the decision. The
supplier will be assessed against a range of quality criteria,
minimising the risk to both Councils while ensuring the effective
delivery of safe accommodation and support services across
Northamptonshire.
 
REASONS RESOLVED:
 
1.    
This proposal will enable officers to jointly
procure services with North Northamptonshire Council colleagues in
the Stronger and Safer Communities and Procurement teams, combining
resources to develop a service that meets the needs of both
authority areas. This collaborative approach will maximise
efficiencies and ensure the use of the most effective and compliant
procurement route to secure safe accommodation and support services
across Northamptonshire.
2.    
To ensure West Northamptonshire Council fulfil its
responsibilities under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and to provide
enhanced support in safe accommodation which includes refuges and
support, safe move-on accommodation as well as victims/survivors
living in their own homes.
3.    
Enables the pooling of resources and funding with
North Northants Council, creating opportunities to deliver a more
consistent and efficient service provision across Northamptonshire,
while also achieving better value for money. WNC will retain
control over its local budget, ensuring that funding remains
flexible and responsive to emerging local needs.
4.    
To enable West Northamptonshire Council to address
gaps and implement recommendations identified in the domestic abuse
needs assessments and the wider pathway provision.
 
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:
 
Option 1: not recommended
Do nothing.
This is considered an
unsatisfactory option because of the adverse impact on the
victims/survivors of domestic abuse in both West and North
Northants. The delivery of a single contract that is targeted at
victims/survivors of domestic abuse is a key component in how we
deliver on our statutory duties under the Domestic Abuse Safe
Accommodation Act. Therefore,
discontinuing the service will
create a gap in statutory and non-statutory provision which will be
detrimental to adults, children and young people impacted by
domestic abuse.
 
Option 2- not recommended
Council continues to fund the
service under the existing grant arrangement.
The existing commissioning
arrangements fail to deliver a whole system model of safe
accommodation (refuge) and support service for victims/survivors of
domestic abuse that addresses demand and need. It also does not
provide the same opportunities as a joint procurement would to
realise efficiencies going forward.
 
Option 3- recommended
For the Council to enter into
joint procurement arrangements with North Northamptonshire
Council.
This will combine both
Council’s resources and budgets to develop a whole system
approach to safe accommodation services (including refuge) and
support which meets the needs of both authority areas whilst
maximising efficiencies and impact.