Decision details

How the decision relates to Corporate Objectives

Young People at Risk services currently support 16 and 17 year old Children in Care, Care Leavers, vulnerable 16 and 17 year olds (not in care) and 18+ vulnerable young people.

KCC has a statutory duty to provide suitable and safe accommodation that has the right level of support for Children in Care. KCC must also accommodate16 and 17 year old child in need (in accordance with Section 20 of the Children’s Act 1989), a child / young person to whom Bail has been denied and children remanded to local authority accommodation (RLAA) and 16 and 17 year old Care Leavers (Relevant).

KCC must provide Care Leavers with support and financial support to assist in promoting their welfare, especially in relation to maintaining suitable accommodation and promoting education and training.

A fundamental component of the Care Act 2014 is the 'suitability of accommodation' in meeting the at home care and support needs of vulnerable people. The Act and the accompanying regulations and guidance outline how housing can support a more integrated approach and sets out local implementation requirements. Of particular note is that housing also includes housing related support or services.

Financial Implications: The current value of these contracts is £2,973,950.96 per annum.

Legal Implications: The ‘Spending the Council’s Money’ policy expects procurement to be competitive, and the Council’s default position regarding competition is that competition is required for all purchases.  However, a number of special circumstances exist where this may not be applicable or possible, e.g. the purchasing of adult and children’s services is required by law under the National Assistance Act 1948 and the Children Act 1989. Alternative processes are set out in Directorate Operational Procedures.

Equality Implications: An EQIA assessment has been undertaken. The EQIA supports the intention to diversify provision according to individual needs of service users.

Is the matter referred to in your Business Plan or Medium Term Capital Programme? The Strategic Commissioning Business Priorities 2016-17

As Cabinet Member for Specialist Childrens Services, I agree to:

a)  RE-AWARD 24 short-term interim contracts which deliver a total of 465 Housing Related Support units for Young People at Risk from 1April 2017 to 31 March 2018.  Including;

b) AWARD a retrospective Single Source Action for the period up to 31 March 2017.  The retrospective Single Source Action figure is Accommodation-Based (12 months) £2,761,015.49 plus Floating Support (6 Months) £106,467.25.  Total £2,867,482.74; and

b)  DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director of Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, or other nominated officer, to undertake the necessary actions to implement the decision.