Decision details

It is recommended that the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children and Education:

1              Approves a permitted extension of the contract with Centrepoint Soho for the provision of supported accommodation for young people leaving care for a further period of up to two years commencing from 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2022 at a total value of £1,489,058 (annual value of £744,529).

2              Approves the modification of the contract to incorporate the provision of supported accommodation services by Centrepoint Soho at 40 Charleville Road, W14 9JJ effective from 1 April 2020 through to 30 April 2022. The individual total cost for this property is £76,710 over the course of the extension (annual value of £38,355).

1.    The Centrepoint Housing Contract delivers supported housing services to young people leaving care. The contract provides 80 units of accommodation across 10 different properties, 11 with the incorporation of Charleville Road. Varying levels of support are provided by individual property and the service serves as the boroughs main housing pathway for young people leaving care before moving on to independent living. The contract commenced in 2015 following a call-off from a Framework for Supported Housing Services. The contract term is for 5 years, expiring in April 2020 with an optional 2-year extension by mutual agreement.

2.    Continuity of service provision is necessary to ensure young people continue to receive stable accommodation with structured support and advice before being considered ready to move on. The agreement to extend the contract is only feasible with agreement from both Centrepoint and H&F. Officers have considered remodelling the service in an attempt to lower the 2020 contract value however safety concerns have been highlighted from the provider with a reduction in total staff numbers or removing waking night staff provision from buildings.

As described in the report.