To seek approval to commission, by means of a competitive tender process in line with the council’s contract procedure rules, a housing related support service for 16–25-year-old children in care and care leavers. The existing service is currently delivered by Connexus and is due to expire on 28 February 2026.

That:

a) the commissioning of a housing related accommodation-based support service through an open procurement process be approved, for a period of up to 84 months, commencing from the end of the previous contract on 1 March 2026 up to 28 February 2033 with a maximum total cost of £3,041,376 across the 84-month period;

b) authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Children’s Services to award a contract for a housing related support service, following the completion of a procurement process and;

c) that delegated authority is given to the Corporate Director of Children’s Services to approve any changes to the commissioning process, or subsequent contract for the duration, including the option to extend, vary and terminate.

1.    The service is not recommissioned. This option is not recommended. This contract supports the council’s commitment to its care leavers as corporate parent and there would be a lost opportunity to provide local accommodation and improve outcomes for very vulnerable children in care and care leavers if the service is not recommissioned.

2.    The contract with the existing provider is extended. This option is not possible as the contract does not contain an option to extend.

3.    To deliver as an in-house service. This option is not recommended. The properties used for this service are owned by the current provider and they have indicated they will not be made available to a third party from which to deliver this service. 

Engagement is ongoing with key stakeholders including the current provider to gain their view on development opportunities for the services.

Coproduction with care experienced young people is in place to further develop the service specification and evaluation approach. The key findings from the activities will inform the development of the service.

A market engagement exercise has been previously undertaken where views on delivery models, and types of accommodation was sought. These views have contributed to the shaping of the proposed service as well as the commissioning approach.

A political group consultation was completed on the 9^th of June.