That: a) the commissioning of Domestic Abuse support services be approved through an open procurement process using a lot-based structure (Lot 1: Safe Accommodation Service and Lot 2: Whole-family community-based support, safe accommodation and housing advocacy), for an initial period of up to 24 months commencing on 1 April 2027 and ending on 31 March 2029, with an estimated maximum cost of £1.23m across the initial contract period. Provision of an optional 48 month (4 year) extension is also provided taking the full contract value to a potential £5.33m. (Note this is the scope of the council commissioned spend however attention is drawn to point 26 below as eligible providers will be able to draw down additional funding as part of the service delivery);

b) authority be delegated to the Corporate Director Community Wellbeing to award the contracts for Domestic Abuse services following completion of the procurement process; approve changes to the commissioning process; manage the contracts once awarded, including varying or terminating them subject to performance, funding availability and compliance with Contract Procedure Rules; and approve any contract extensions provided for within the contracts, for a cumulative period of up to 48 months (four years) beyond the initial term, with an estimated extension value of up to £4.1 million, subject to available funding.