Decision

To approve and sign an agreement with Events Horizon to supply food during Summer 2026 FUEL camps (Wiltshire’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme).

Reasons for the decision

The council’s existing provider of food for FUEL camps, The Occasional Kitchen Ltd, notified the council on 6th July 2026 that they could no longer fulfil the requirements of the agreement for the Summer programme. Accordingly, in order to limit its contractual risks, the council terminated the contract with The Occasional Kitchen Ltd on 7th July 2026.

As a consequence, it was necessary to appoint an alternative food supplier, to a tight timescale that requires all food requirements to be passed to a food supplier in w/c 13 July. The Summer delivery window is scheduled to commence on 27 July.

Given the tight timescales, there was not sufficient time to conduct a full procurement exercise or RFQ exercise.

A contract for the food supplier was awarded on exemption for Summer 2026 delivery window (Exemption approved on 14th July 2026 – Direct Award Number 1468)

The Department for Education confirmed a three-year funding agreement in December 2025. This funding is ringfenced and will fund the Holiday Activity and Food Programme to the end of the financial year 28/29.

I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution:

Key decision requirements: N/A

Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area board(s): N/A

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers): N/A

Consultation with the Chief Executive OR Corporate Director where appropriate: No

Consultation with local members (as appropriate): N/A

Consideration of the area boards and delegated decision checklist for officers on the issue of when and how to involve local councillors and area boards in decisions about local services: N/A

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure:The council has offered the HAF programme (FUEL) since 2021, in support of business objectives; tackling health inequalities and enabling the best start in life for eligible children.

Consultation in accordance with requirements and expectations of consultation with the public: N/A

Consultation in accordance with the council’s consultation guidance and the views emanating from that process: N/A

Range of options available: Yes. Please see "Other options considered"

Staffing, financial and legal implications: Yes

Evidence of due regard having been given to the Public Sector Equality Duty: N/A

The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the Council’s risk management strategy: Not offering this programme would increase the vulnerabilities of families on lower incomes, and result in reputational damage to the council.
The Council will not be able to deliver against the requirements of funding for the Department for Education

Involvement of appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate directors and directors: N/A

The council’s constitution including Procurement and Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant guidance, legislation, codes of practice, and protocols: Yes

Alternative options considered

Please see the table in the attached document