Decision details

The Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Health and Public Service Reform presented a report regarding a tendering exercise for Young People’s Accommodation and Support Services. This commission would be the most significant transformation of accommodation for young people in the last 20 years in the borough, having a positive impact on young people and young families experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Bury, in particular Bury Care Leavers.

Decision:

Cabinet:

1.    Delegated finalisation for the provision of Young People’s and Young Families Accommodation and Support Services, to the Director of Law and Democratic Services with approval from the Director of Adult Social Services and Community Commissioning and the Executive Director of Children's Services; and

2.    Noted that joint funding arrangements between Adult Social Care and Children’s Services were previously agreed at Cabinet on 9th July 2025 and are detailed in Part B.

Reasons for the decision:

·       The current contract ends on 1st February 2026; this contract cannot be further extended. New contracts will therefore need to commence on 2nd February 2026.

·       Each Lot requires the availability of a significant number of units of accommodation. To deliver this effectively and on time, the successful provider/s will require a reasonable mobilisation period. Therefore, it is recommended that Cabinet delegate finalisation and sealing of contract awards, for the provision of Young People’s and Young Families Accommodation and Support Services, to the Director of Law and Democratic Services with approval from the Director of Adult Social Services and Community Commissioning and the Executive Director of Children's Services.

·       This decision will enable the division to inform successful providers following the conclusion of the tender evaluation process and standstill period, which is expected to be completed the week commencing 15th December 2025.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

The current contract is due to end on 1st February 2026; previous extensions have been awarded on this contract and procurement rules do not allow any further extensions to the current contractual arrangements.