Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Public Health

The Cabinet considered the report of the Interim Director of Public Health which provided details of the proposed procurement exercise to be undertaken for the provision of a new Integrated Wellness Service to replace a number of healthy lifestyle service contracts which were due to expire on 31March 2016.

Decision Made:

That:

(1)       the Interim Director of Public Health be authorised to conduct an OJEU Light-Touch Regime tender exercise for a new Integrated Wellness Service to run for a period of three years from 1April 2016 with the option of two further one-year extensions;

(2)       the basis of evaluation of the tenders as set out in the report be approved; and

(3)       the Interim Director of Public Health be given delegated powers to award the new contracts to the highest scoring bidder(s) in accordance with the approved basis of evaluation and to report on the outcome to the Cabinet Member – Health and Wellbeing.

Reasons for Decision:

Individual healthy lifestyle services would be replaced by a new integrated wellness service from 2016. This move was to enable services to work collectively to ensure that local residents get all of the information and support they need to improve their health and make lasting behaviour change.

The tender exercise would be required to follow an OJEU Light-Touch Regime Open Procedure. As part of this process; approval was required for Chief Officer delegated authority to award the contract at the end of the tender process.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The implications of deciding not to procure replacement services would be:

·         Contracts for individual services would expire resulting in a lack of service provision for local residents. If permission was not granted then there would not be enough time to complete the tender process.

·         An increase in residents with multiple unhealthy lifestyle behaviours such as smoking, over weight and obesity and low mental wellbeing.

·         A potential increase in expenditure for adult social care services if prevention services do not exist.