Issue - meetings

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.