Issue - meetings

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People is attached.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People presented a report seeking approval to progress the recommissioning of Bury's Short Breaks Service. The proposed model aims to strengthen early intervention, increase flexibility, and deliver a more responsive, outcomes-focused service aligned to the changing SEND demand in Bury. Early provider market engagement will inform a sustainable, inclusive, and high-quality model underpinned by a fair pricing framework.

Social Emotional Mental Health difficulties (SEMH), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Moderate Learning Disability, and Specific Learning Disability account for over 80% of current SEND need. Parent and carer feedback is broadly positive but consistently highlights the need for more flexible, needs-led provision and improved community-based access. The current offer faces capacity pressures and does not fully reflect the diversity of presenting need.

Decision:
Cabinet:

1. Approved the redesign of the Short Breaks model to create a more flexible, strengths-based and outcomes-focused offer.
2. Approved the commencement of a structured market and stakeholder engagement exercise, in compliance with the Procurement Act 2023.
3. Authorised an extension of the existing principal Short Breaks contract dated 1^st September 2021 with Action for Children Services Limited – company number 02332388, by a further 8 months until 31 March 2027 (from current expiry of 31 August 2026) to ensure service continuity during the engagement and procurement development period.
4. Noted that final model proposals, full financial appraisal, and contract award recommendations will be brought to Cabinet for approval following the engagement phase

Reasons for decisions:

Service delivery was currently concentrated with one principal provider, supplemented by three further commissioned providers and Direct Payments. Financial analysis shows substantial unit cost variation, from £6,764 (Direct Payments) to £21,378 (highest-cost provider), against a 2025/26 budget of £2.4m with a projected £28,000 overspend.

The current principal contract expires on the 31^st August 2026. The provider, Action for Children Services Limited, has provisionally agreed to extend by a further 8 months to 31 March 2027, supporting a thorough engagement process. This extension is anticipated to be permissible under PA23 as a non-substantial modification that does not significantly alter the scope or economic balance of the contract.

The engagement phase will be cost-neutral, managed within existing resources. A full financial appraisal will accompany the final model recommendation.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

1.    Maintain current model

Advantage- No additional procurement resource required.

Disadvantage- Reduced capacity, rising costs, market fragility, procurement compliance risk. Not recommended.

2.    Redesign without engagement

Advantage- Faster to implement initially.

Disadvantage- No market intelligence; high risk of undeliverable or unaffordable model. Not recommended.

3.    Redesign through structured engagement (Preferred)

Advantage- Informed by market capability; supports sustainability and improved outcomes.

Disadvantage- Requires time and resource investment during engagement phase.