Decision details

To seek approval to either activate the contract extension clause or decommission the current contract and commence a procurement exercise for the integrated substance misuse treatment and recovery service - currently provided by Lifeline

The Cabinet considered the report of the Interim Head of Health and Wellbeing which provided details of the key findings of the review of the Adult Substance Misuse Service, including the service improvement plan.

Decision Made: That

(1)       Officers be authorised to appraise the following options in consultation with the Cabinet Member - Health and Wellbeing for the future of the Lifeline contract to provide Adult Substance Misuse Services in Sefton:

(i)            To re-procure an Adult Substance Misuse Service for commencement on 1^st October 2016;

(ii)          To activate an extension clause within the existing contract of Lifeline for an additional 12 months until 30^th September 2017;

(iii)         To activate an extension clause within the existing contract of Lifeline for an additional 24 months until 30^th September 2018; and

(2)       the Cabinet Member - Health and Wellbeing be granted delegated authority to sign off the preferred option, as set out in resolution (1) above.

Reasons for Decision:

The previous contract extension was agreed by Cabinet in March 2015 subject to demonstrable service improvement.  Whilst some improvements had been achieved, a plan was developed with the provider to ensure this was sustained within the next twelve months. The review of the plan had demonstrated significant ongoing improvements against key performance indicators with targets being close to or above national average and local comparators. However, current uncertainties in the sub-contractual arrangements had resulted in commissioners seeking further assurance on quality and clinical risk.

The current contract would expire at the end of September 2016 and a decision must be made by the end of March 2016 at the latest on whether the contract should be extended or retendered. This would provide Lifeline with the minimum 6 months’ notice period.

The contract was originally awarded for 2 years with the option to extend by a further period of up to 3 years. In March 2015 an annual extension was approved.  This recommendation was therefore an extension within the existing contract for the remaining two years.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

This report set sets out the three options considered.