To approve the commissioning plan for the Domestic Abuse new burdens funding allocation for 2022/23

That:

a)    That the commissioning plan for the use of the Domestic Abuse new burdens funding allocation for 2022/23 is approved.

b)    That approval for any amendments to the proposed commissioning plan is delegated to the Service Director, All Age Commissioning.

1.             To award all of the funding to a single provider via a direct award. This is not recommended as this does not encourage competition within the market place and creates a legacy of short term investment which is difficult for organisations. Some of the activities that the council is seeking to commission using the new burdens funding could be provided by a range of potential providers, the community commissioning team are keen to test the market for the delivery of these activities, with the aim of attracting new providers and ensuring value for money.

2.             To tender all elements of the work required. This is not recommended as the council has an existing contract with West Mercia Women’s Aid for some of the projects within the proposed commissioning plan. These projects were established with last year’s new burdens funding and the continued commissioning of West Mercia Women’s Aid will ensure the continuation of the provision of supported safe accommodation for survivors of domestic abuse and their families, as well as support for children and young people and people with protective characteristics and / or complex needs. These projects directly contribute towards the delivery of the Local Authority duties set out in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

3.             To deliver the domestic abuse service within the council.  This option is not recommended. Providing services for domestic abuse victim-survivors safely requires specific knowledge and expertise, plus access to the national refuge network, intelligence systems and data sharing with key partners, all of which exist through the commissioned provider. At present, the council does not have existing expertise or capacity to deliver the services in-house and the requisite recruitment would be time consuming and challenging.