Issue - meetings

To consider a report from the Portfolio Holder for Education, Skills and Early Help.

Decision

(a) That the Placement Sufficiency Strategy as set out in  Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

(b) That the procurements and awards of contracts set out in Appendix 2 of the report be approved.

In giving this approval, Members were approving known / likely procurement set for implementation during 2021/22 on terms to be agreed by the Executive Director, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder Education, Skills and Early Help for each arrangement. Procurements exceeding the key decision threshold which were not yet identified would be subject to a separate report presented at a later date.

Reason for the decision

The council is required through a ‘sufficiency duty’ to secure sufficient accommodation for children and young people under their care who cannot live at home.  The procurement of supported accommodation is required as the existing contract comes to an end this financial year.  The procurement will deliver a modernised service that is better value for money.  The procurement of residential children’s homes will replace existing spot purchasing spend and offer better value for money. 

The Portfolio Holder for Children, Education, Skills and Early Help presented a report on the Children’s Provision – Placement Sufficiency Strategy. He advised that the report set out the targets for reducing the number of children in care in Dorset and increasing the number of homes available for children in care in Dorset.

Decision

(a) That the Placement Sufficiency Strategy as set out in  Appendix 1 to the report be noted;

(b) That Cabinet the procurements and awards of contracts set out in Appendix 2 of the report be approved.

In giving this approval, Members were approving known / likely procurement set for implementation during 2021/22 on terms to be agreed by the Executive Director, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder Education, Skills and Early Help for each arrangement. Procurements exceeding the key decision threshold which were not yet identified would be subject to a separate report presented at a later date.

Reason for the decision   

The council is required through a ‘sufficiency duty’ to secure sufficient accommodation for children and young people under their care who cannot live at home.  The procurement of supported accommodation is required as the existing contract comes to an end this financial year.  The procurement will deliver a modernised service that is better value for money.  The procurement of residential children’s homes will replace existing spot purchasing spend and offer better value for money.