Decision details

To:-

(1)  Increase the contract extensions period for the services noted in paragraphs 8 and 9 in the attached report from 6 months to 12 months. Contract prices for this period will be the same as noted in the November Cabinet report (pro rata for 12 months).

For the new higher level 2 family and parenting support service to start on 1.4.12 as noted in paragraph 6 of the attached report

(i)            The contract extension period is increased as   

             advertised.

(ii)           The new higher level 2 family and parenting

support service will commence on 1.4.12

The increase in time for the procurement process for the new family and parenting support services and the consequent increase in the contract extension period will enable voluntary organisations more time to seek alternative sources of funding and/or more time to prepare their tender submission.

(i)            implement the proposal as requested

(ii)          To stick with the original timescales noted in the November Cabinet report

In November cabinet approved the Family and parenting Support Commissioning Strategy and agreed to contract extensions for a number of services provided by voluntary sector organisations with contracts which end on 31.3.11.  Cabinet also agreed to the development of a new family and parenting support service.  This contract will be funded through budgets released by ceasing to purchase existing services.  The contract for the new service will be let through a competitive tendering process.

At the cabinet meeting Council members questioned whether the timetable for letting the new contract was long enough to enable voluntary sector organisations to understand the requirements of the new service and prepare their organisations so as to be in a position to take part in the tender process.

Following the cabinet meeting officers have considered the procurement timetable and in response to Council members concerns are seeking to increase the time period for contract extensions to allow more time for the procurement process for the new family and parenting support service.