Minutes:
The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Children and
Enterprise, on the waiver of Procurement Standing Orders for the Contracted
Services for Children and Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health
Services, Early Intervention and Targeted Provision.
The Board was advised that since April 2012, the service had been
commissioned from Barnardo’s as the Hear4u service. There was a consistently
high volume of referrals from partner agencies across Halton Children’s Trust,
with a 41% increase against the 2011/12 year. A comprehensive review of
provision was underway, which would determine the needs and the provision
required to meet those needs.
It was reported that the contract for the current service would end on
31 March 2014. A waiver of Procurement Standing Orders was requested to enable
service delivery to continue without disruption during the review period.
Details of the Business Case were contained in the report. Members were advised
that once completed, the review would inform future tendering requirements.
Reason(s) for
Decision
Not applicable.
Alternative
Options Considered and Rejected
Not applicable.
Implementation
Date
1 April 2014.
RESOLVED: That
1) in
light of the exceptional circumstances set out in the report, Procurement
Standing Orders 3.1 to 3.7 be waived
where compliance with Standing Orders would result in a clear financial or
commercial detriment to the Council, in respect of the contracted Children and
Young People’s Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Services, Early
Intervention and Targeted Provision. The waiver would ensure that children and
young people receive continuous care and support whilst a review of this service
area is undertaken by Halton Children’s Trust Partners in order to determine
the requirements for future provision; and
2) the
Strategic Director, Children and Enterprise, be authorised, in conjunction with
the Portfolio holder for Children, Young People and Families, to enter into the
above contract for one year from April 2014 to the end of March 2015.