Issue - meetings

As detailed in the recommendation.

Councillor Jones introduced the report and explained that the Council purchased bespoke autism specific Learning Disability day services for thirteen individuals on a ‘spot’ purchase basis.

            There was no relevant framework agreement in place that covered the commissioning of equivalent services and no contractual agreement reflecting the services currently purchased.

            The current service provider had indicated that the present ‘spot’ purchasing arrangement required replacement with a more formal contractual agreement to enable future service continuity.

            An Exceptions Report seeking a direct award for the services currently purchased was submitted in September 2020.  The rationale was based primarily on the need to ensure continued service continuity for the individuals who attended the day services.  Advice received from the Procurement Team indicated that there were grounds within the Public Contract Regulations 2015 for a short-term direct award not for a long-term direct award.  Due to the estimated annual costs of services, sanction of any longer-term direct award required a Cabinet decision.

The Chief Officer (Social Services) said staff would ensure that the needs of the individuals continued to be met. 

In response to a question, the Chief Officer said the specialist company were based on the Wirral. 

RESOLVED:

That the direct award of a contract to the present service provider for the Community and Voluntary Services, as detailed in the report, be approved.