Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Children and Enterprise, on the contracted services for Missing from Home and Care Service for young people across Cheshire.

The Board was advised that since 2008, Halton had commissioned a Missing from Home and Care Service to fulfil its responsibilities under statutory guidance. The Local Safeguarding Children Boards of Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Halton and Warrington, along with Cheshire Constabulary, had collaborated to produce a Pan Cheshire Joint Protocol. It was reported that all four local authorities agreed to go ahead with a joint commission with Halton as the lead authority. Catch 22 had been the successful provider since 2012.

It was further reported that the services were due to end on 31 March 2014. A waiver of Procurement Standing Orders was requested to enable service delivery to continue without disruption, enabling the Council to fulfil its statutory duty regarding looked after children. Details of the Business Case for the continuation of the service were contained in the report for Members’ consideration.

Reason(s) for Decision

Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington Local Authorities had all agreed to go forward for the next 12 months with the same provider.

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, the relevant Procurement Standing Orders through 1.8.4 ( c) be suspended, where compliance with Standing orders would result in a clear financial or commercial detriment to the Council, 1.8.4. (f) where compliance with Standing Orders would be inconsistent with Joint and Partnership working, or special external funding arrangements, in respect of the contracted Missing from Home and Care Services. Procurement Standing Orders 3.1 to 3.7  be waived on this occasion in order to extend existing contract with Catch 22 for the provision of Missing from Home and Care Services to children and young people across the four Local Authorities in Cheshire, in order to ensure continuous care and support; 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.