Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Health and Wellbeing

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Health and Wellbeing/Director of Public Health in relation to the re procurement of the Adult Substance use Community Assessment, Treatment and Recovery Service which will expire on 31 March 2021.

Decision Made:   That:

(1)              the Director of Public Health be authorised to conduct a light-touch regime procurement exercise for an Integrated Adult Substance Use: Assessment, Treatment and Recovery Service to run for a period of five years from 1^st April 2022 with the option of further extensions to be exercised up to a maximum of two-years. Bids will be evaluated on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT); and

(2)           delegated authority be granted to the Director of Public Health in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing to award the contract to the highest scoring bidder(s) resulting from the procurement and to award any extension thereof.

Reason for the Decisions:

Effective substance use treatment and recovery requires a range of referral pathways and services collaborating to optimise the effect of treatment interventions. Individual stability and progress in recovery is dependent on stability in the treatment system. In line with calls from National Advisory Councils, the recommendation provides scope for longer contract duration and a greater degree of stability and continuity.   

The service is, and will continue to be provided from two sites, one in the North of Sefton and one in the South, ensuring geographical equity and ease of access. While the North Sefton site, based in Southport, continues to prove satisfactory, issues have emerged in relation to the suitability of the Canal Street site in Bootle. The current lease on the premises expires on 1^st October 2021 and the current providers are exploring options including an extension on the lease to the 31^st March 2022 and temporary alternative accommodation. Public Health Commissioners would expect to approve the suitability and location of any venue in relation to the new contract.

The recommendation includes a procurement timeline that provides any successful bidder with an eight-month period of mobilisation, sufficient time to identify and secure alternative and more suitable accommodation for the Bootle Service Hub.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

To award a further twelve-months extension on the existing contract to enable the current provider to secure an alternative venue for the Bootle Service Hub. There is currently no provision within the existing procurement framework as existing contract extension options have already been exercised.