That:

The Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructureagree to extend the current Passenger Transport Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Home to School, SEND and commercial transport services from its current expiry of 10 June 2026 to 10 December 2027, with a view to developing a new procurement and contract under the new Procurement Act 2023 for transport services.

1.              The option not to extend the DPS and end the arrangement in June 2026, was not considered an appropriate option. Establishing a new procurement process/framework of this scale requires significant time, and under the new Procurement Act legislation 2023 we must fully assess all options available to develop an effective model.

2.              Continuing with the current DPS is the most suitable interim option. It supports operating teams in meeting statutory transport requests quickly while ensuring passenger needs and best value. This short-term approach of extending the DPS provides the best value for money whist strategic planning and development work is completed to tackle the growing demand and cost pressures of passenger transport. We will continue to use the DPS to drive a competitive marketplace, along with quality of service for passengers, delivering best value possible. With around 100 approved suppliers, the framework maintains market competition and broad operator coverage.

3.              We will collaborate with procurement and legal colleagues to review available options and their suitability for different contract types (regular, ad-hoc, above and below threshold). An options appraisal will inform the future business case, alongside supplier engagement. This will be taken through the relevant decision process to seek agreement.