Agenda item

(a)  That the work taking place in respect of domestic abuse, the council’s statutory responsibilities and a summary of an overarching needs assessment completed earlier this year be noted.

(b)  That it be agreed to extend the period of the existing contract for domestic abuse service by Hestia for one year until 31st December 2024, as part of a wider strategic approach to domestic abuse at the same value as the current agreed contractual rate.

(c)  That it be agreed that officers bring a further report to Cabinet in March 2024 to provide an update on progress, together with a completed Safer Accommodation Strategy and other linked strategies to enable a decision on further recommissioning of the independent domestic violence advocacy (IDVA) service to commence on 1st January 2025.

The Lead Member for  Community Cohesion, Public Health, Public Protection, Leisure and Planning introduced a report on the services that the Council commissioned for victims/survivors of domestic abuse and the wider partnership support in Slough.  This included the important role of independent domestic violence advocacy services, and it was recommended that a short term extension be agreed with the current provider, Hestia, pending a more detailed review of provision.

Officers highlighted the relatively high levels of demand for such services in Slough and the short extension would provide the opportunity for a review.  The current contract would be extended by one year to 31^st December 2024 with a view to the recommissioning of a new service from 1^st January 2025.  The extension would be on the current agreed contractual rate.  A further report would be provided to Cabinet in March 2024, together with a Safer Accommodation Strategy.

The Cabinet approved the recommendations.

Resolved –

(a)  That the work taking place in respect of domestic abuse, the council’s statutory responsibilities and a summary of an overarching needs assessment completed earlier this year be noted.

(b)  That it be agreed to extend the period of the existing contract for domestic abuse service by Hestia for one year until 31st December 2024, as part of a wider strategic approach to domestic abuse at the same value as the current agreed contractual rate.

(c)  That it be agreed that officers bring a further report to Cabinet in March 2024 to provide an update on progress, together with a completed Safer Accommodation Strategy and other linked strategies to enable a decision on further recommissioning of the independent domestic violence advocacy (IDVA) service to commence on 1st January 2025.