Issue - meetings

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, on the joint commissioning of an integrated Domestic Abuse service across the People Directorate. This would include the existing separate adult and children’s services.

The Board was advised that Changing Lives were commissioned in 2014 to deliver Halton’s Domestic Abuse Refuge Accommodation and Community Support Services. It was noted that Changing Lives had been awarded a two year contract with the option to extend for a further three years. The third extension had been awarded and a waiver approved, to further extend the contract from July to October 2019. This would align with the Children’s contract and allow for a joint procurement process to be undertaken.

The report set out the proposed service model, which would include elements already provided, including short term supported accommodation to those at risk. An options appraisal had been undertaken on the property that would be used for refuge accommodation, with consideration given to existing refuge accommodation and use of alternative HBC accommodation and development of community based units.

          RESOLVED: That the Board approve the commencement of a procurement exercise for an integrated Domestic Abuse service.