Issue - meetings

          The Board received a report of the Executive Director, Adults, which provided information on the performance of the Integration Sensory Support Service, currently provided by Vision Support, including performance figures for 2023/24 set out in Appendix One and case studies for the same period detailed in Appendix Two.

          The report also considered the future delivery of the service, and it was noted that the service was operating well and provided a valuable support mechanism to users. The service had developed good relationships across the Borough, made appropriate and timely referrals and it was believed that there was currently little or no other market options in the Borough.

          In view of the details, it was recommended that a direct award, for a further five-year contract, should be granted to Vision Support. This would offer the service the financial stability to sustain and develop the service.

Reason(s) for Decision

This is an existing service which is operating well. It is believed that no other market competition exists within the Borough.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

The service could go out for full tender. However, when the service was last tendered it was as an Integrated Sensory Service. The organisations which already delivered the elements of the service, for sight and hearing impairment needs, came together to submit a bid. No other submissions were made.

Also ceasing delivery of the service would impact negatively on a vulnerable cohort of the Borough’s population and likely result in more costly, crisis intervention being made.

Implementation Date

To assure continuity of service a further contract needs to be in place by 1 July 2024, as the current contract expires on 30 June 2024

          RESOLVED: The Board approve a Waiver in compliance with Procurement Standing Order 1.14.4 iv of Part 3 of Procurement Standing Orders, for a direct award to support the continuation of the provision of Integrated Sensory Support Service in Halton delivered through contract with Vision Support for the period from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2029.