Decision

To approve the award of contract CS1729 to deliver a new Family Hubs service across Wiltshire to Spurgeons to take effect 1 April 2024.

Reasons for the decision

1. As the Corporate Director for Resources and Deputy Chief Executive and the Corporate Director for People respectively we have consulted with Perry Holmes, Director of Legal and Governance and Monitoring Officer, regarding the Cabinet resolutions made at the meeting held on 13 June 2023. An advisory note from the Monitoring Officer dated 11 July 2024 has been agreed which sets out that the Cabinet resolution of 13 June 2024 authorises us to enter into the Family Hubs Contract with Spurgeons on behalf of the Council under the terms agreed.

2. The existing contract for children’s centres expired on 31 March 2024 and it was agreed by Cabinet following a public consultation to develop family hubs in Wiltshire offering an early help service for families with children aged 0-19 (25 with SEND)
3. An open procurement exercise was undertaken in September 2023 to secure a contract. There were five bids as a result. Following an evaluation and moderation exercise, the commissioners proposed to award the contract to Spurgeons.

4. The contract has an initial term of two (2) years with an option for the Council to extend the contract by a further period or periods no later than 28 March 2031 by giving Spurgeons at least twelve (12) months’ written notice per clause 2.2 of the contract.

5. The cost of the contract over two years is £5,981,102.60

Further details and reasons are included in the attached record of officer decision

Alternative options considered

Full options assessment detailed in the attached record of officer decision