Decision details

There have been extensive levels of negotiation between the Local Authority and the ICB around ways forward to rectify the future modelling of the SaLT Contract following the end of the current contract. These have caused delays and resulted in limited time to procure a provider via open competitive tender.

Bridgewater Foundation Trust are in a position to offer this service, across two contracts (one led by the ICB, and one led by the LA), within one integrated model of universal, targeted and specialist support.

The LA intend to directly award this contract to Bridgewater for 2 years (with the optional extension period of an additional 12 months) from 28/10/25 to 28/10/2028, with an annual contract value of £180,000 per annum.

The initial plan was for the ICB to lead on a full procurement and procure a single provider across all of the SaLT provision, however, this was rejected by the ICB who stated they wished to pursue a single specialist service, leaving the LA to procure a service which focused solely on EHCP provision.

An extension to the current contract was proposed, however, again, this was rejected by the ICB after much consideration.

The ICB identified a health provider (Bridgewater) and there were again delays in securing this contract. This contract has now been secured which allows the LA to secure the service, from Bridgewater, which they require. Unfortunately, the delays have meant that a direct award is necessary by the LA to ensure that statutory duties and service provision is available on 29th October.