Decision details

Councillor A Arif introduced the report seeking permission for the Council to extend the current A Bed Every Night (“ABEN”) contract between the Council and Adullam Homes Housing Association Limited (company number IP20853R) (“Adullam Homes”) for a further period of 12 months, whilst the service re-procure the ABEN provision to reduce the number of individuals rough sleeping within the borough. The ABEN provision provides safe off the street accommodation, as well as the opportunity for individuals to develop independent living skills and break the cycle of homelessness. 

Councillor Rydeheard queried whether the extension is pro rate to the normal rate and the Director of Housing committed to responding outside of the meeting.

Councillor Vernon queried what we are doing with those individuals who are sleeping rough but have not engaged with us and was advised that there are some individuals who do not need to go into this scheme due to finding other options.

Councillor Arif clarified that we provide the support around their needs and offer them all services that are available including working with other services and providers to support individuals to get off the streets.

Councillor Birchmore queried the programme that was rolled out for winter last year, including churches and whether this was funded as part of this or separately?  The Director of Housing confirmed that funding is separate to this scheme.

Decision(s)

Cabinet:

-       Authorised Bury Metropolitan Borough Council to extend current ABEN contract with Adullam Homes Housing Association Limited (company number IP20853R) for a 12-month period, commencing on 01st April 2026, and for the total estimated contract value of £335,732 inclusive of VAT

-       Authorised Bury Metropolitan Borough Council to initiate a tender exercise via The Chest to procure a provider for the delivery of ABEN provision, in line with the requirements set out in the grant agreement with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority. This contract having an initial two-year term (proposed commencement date of1st April 2027) and a total estimated contract value of £708,799 including VAT, with the option to extend for a further 2 years (in 12month increments) at the sole discretion of the Council and with a total estimated Page 179 contract value of £1,380.263 inclusive of VAT in the event that the full two year extension is utilised.

-       Authorised the delegation for the approval of the award of a new contract to the Director of Housing, following the conclusion of a compliant tender exercise via The Chest.

Reasons for decision(s) 

-       There has been a significant increase in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness. This cohort includes multiple disadvantage, individuals leaving custody, who often face additional barriers to securing and maintaining stable accommodation.

-       Rough sleeping has increased locally, due to numerous factors which include: 

o   Increase in the number of people with complex needs (mental health, substance misuse and offending behaviours)

o   Expensive local housing market contributing to lack of access to the private rented sector and finite support of social housing.

o   Increased asylum and refugee presentations due to government policy and leave to remain cases. 

o   Cost of living has increased which resulting in more households struggling to sustain their tenancies.

Alternative options considered and rejected

-       Do nothing: These properties will deliver emergency accommodation, helping to reduce rough sleeping and minimise the length of time individuals spend on the streets. If this option is not pursued, the council will be unlikely to achieve a reduction in rough sleeping, which conflicts with our local, regional, and national homelessness strategies. This would present a risk of reputational damage and a failure to meet our corporate responsibilities.

-       ABEN is a Greater Manchester Mayoral initiative that has been delivered by the local authority since 2019. The programme continues to build on its success year on year and remains a key resource in reducing rough sleeping and breaking cycles of homelessness. Due to current capacity constraints within the service, the ongoing challenges in securing suitable accommodation to support delivery, and its status as an externally grant funded programme with a fixed cost envelope ABEN is most effectively delivered by an external provider.