Agenda item

The Area Council Manager introduced the item referring to the procurement recently undertaken in order to identify a provider to deliver the service to ‘reduce loneliness and social isolation in (vulnerable) adults and older people’.

Five tenders had been received, with two organisations subsequently invited for interview.  Members were made aware that RVS had been awarded the contract.  The Area Council Manager had met with officers within RVS to discuss details of the contract, including performance indicators, with the contract expected to start 1^st July, 2017.  It was noted that this would include monitoring referrals from ‘My Best Life’.

With regards to identifying providers to complement the commission to build emotional resilience in young people, an update was provided on the outcome of the Youth Resilience Fund process.  Four providers had been successful; however, a contract had yet to be issued to one of the providers due to issues being experienced with their infrastructure, it was agreed that this matter would be progressed by the Executive Director for Communities in line with agreed delegations.  It was noted that discussions had already taken place with the remaining three providers regarding the details of the contracts, including provision of performance management information.

Members considered the contract with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance, and were reminded that the original contract was for a year, which had now elapsed, but there was the option for a period of 12 months.  Members agreed to extend the contract for a further 12 months.

The Area Council Manager reminded Members of their decision at the previous meeting to extend the Private Sector Rented Home Visiting Service for a further 12 month period.  The necessary documentation to waive contract procedure rules had been completed and had received officer approval, with a contract value of £21,600.

Members then received an update on the financial position of the Area Council.  To date £106,506 had been received from the issuing of Fixed Penalty Notices.  Taking this into account, approximately £162,245 would be carried forward to 2017/18, and £76,970 remained unallocated.

The meeting discussed the success of the Central Area Council Celebration and Awards event, and a proposal was received to hold this event again in 2017/18.  In addition a 3 year review of the work of the Area Council, and a Council/Community/Provider networking event was also proposed.  Members agreed to allocate £10,000 from the Area Council to support these activities.

RESOLVED:-

(i)           that the outcome of the procurement process to identify a provider to deliver a service to ‘reduce loneliness and social isolation in adults (over 50 years) and older people’ be noted;

(ii)          that the Youth Resilience Fund providers/projects identified to deliver complementary services for building emotional resilience in children and young people aged 8-19 years be noted, including the need to seek further assurances regarding the infrastructure in one of the four organisations;

(iii)         that the contract with Twiggs Grounds Maintenance be extended for a further period of 12 months to 20^th April, 2018, at a cost of £85,000 per annum;

(iv)         that the process undertaken to extend the Private Rented Home Visiting Service delivered by Homestart, South Yorkshire, at a cost of £21,600 be noted;

(v)          that the current financial position for 2016/17 and the projected expenditure for 2017/18-2019/20 be noted; and

(vi)         that £10,000 be allocated to deliver a Central Area Council Awards Event; a Council, Community and Provider Networking Event; and the design and production of a Central Area Council 3 year review document.