Issue details

Award of contract for the provision of overnight short breaks and outreach service for children and young people

 

 

To approve the awarding of a contract to develop and deliver an overnight short breaks with outreach support service, for children and young people with disabilities from a property secured by the council.

Decision type: Key

Reason Key: Expenditure;

Decision status: For Determination

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Notice of proposed decision first published: 20/08/2026

Special urgency notice

This item is subject to the Special Urgency procedure. It is proposed to take a key decision on the decision date shown below. It would be impracticable to defer the decision and it is not possible to proceed under the General Exception procedure by virtue of the date by which it is proposed to take this decision. The chairman of the relevant overview and scrutiny committee has agreed to the use of the Special Urgency procedure in this case.

Reason for urgency:
The need for Cabinet Member approval was only identified during the final signing and sealing process. The decision had previously been understood to be operational; however, the current legal position is that the contract award exceeds the £500,000 key decision threshold and therefore requires Cabinet Member approval. Any further delays in the signing of the contract could be detrimental to the Council’s reputation and risk undermining the progress made with the provider to establish the service in a timely manner.

Decision due: 25 August 2026 by Cabinet member children and young people

Lead member: Cabinet member children and young people

Lead director: Corporate Director - Children & Young People

Department: Children and Young People

Contact: Sandra Griffiths, Commissioning officer Email: sgriffiths3@herefordshire.gov.uk Tel: 01432 383141.

Consultees

Engagement has been undertaken with key internal and external stakeholders to inform the commissioning approach, and in developing the service specification.

Service Director Corporate Parenting and Service Manager CWD have been consulted and are in agreement with the decision.

Advice from Commercial and Legal Services has also informed this decision and ensured all appropriate procurement and governance procedures have been followed.

Documents

  • Award of contract for the provision of overnight short breaks and outreach service for children and young people