Agenda item

1.  Approved an 18-month direct contract award for an accommodation-based housing -related support service for homeless people from 31st October 2024 to 30th April 2026.

2.  Approved funding for the direct contract award of £415,500 for the 18-month period (£277,000 p.a. pro rata).

3.  Delegated authority to the Executive Director for People (Adults) in consultation with the Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Lead Member for Highways, Housing and Transport and the Lead Member for Finance, Council Assets, Procurement and Revenues to negotiate the final contract terms and to enter into the contract with LookAhead.

The Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities introduced a report that sought approval to make a direct award of an 18-month contract to Look Ahead for an accommodation-based housing related support service for homeless people with complex needs.

It was noted that the service would operate out of a purpose built property which had been used for this purpose for 17 years.  This would ensure the Council was able to meet its duty to support residents who were homeless, or at risk of homelessness and with complex needs, and for whom the Council held a housing duty.

The Part II appendix which contained exempt information relating to the procurement process, was considered and noted in Part I without disclosing any of the exempt information.

Lead Members recognised the importance and value of these services in supporting some of the most vulnerable residents of the town.  A question was asked about the financial implications and the steps that would be taken to achieve best value in the contract.  Officers explained the approach that would taken and commented on the importance of using good quality data and monitoring the key performance indicators.

After due consideration the recommendations were agreed.

Resolved –

(a)  That an 18-month direct contract award for an accommodation-based housing -related support service for homeless people from 31st October 2024 to 30th April 2026 be approved.

(b)  That funding for the direct contract award of £415,500 for the 18-month period (£277,000 p.a. pro rata) be approved.

(c)  That delegated authority be given to the Executive Director for People (Adults) in consultation with the Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities, Lead Member for Highways, Housing and Transport and the Lead Member for Finance, Council Assets, Procurement and Revenues to negotiate the final contract terms and to enter into the contract with Look Ahead.