Decision details

To approve the procurement strategy for refuge services, which provide safe accommodation for survivors of violence against women & girls, for a maximum period of five years (3+1+1). The annual value of the contract is £121,900 and the total estimated value of the services over the five year period is £609.500.

To agree the procurement strategy of refuge provision, a vital service for vulnerable women and children fleeing violence against women and girls. The services contribute to the council’s commitment to ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

Option 1 – To offer the contract via a competitive tender under an open process to deliver services for a maximum period of five years. This is the recommended option. The contract will be for three years initially, with an option to extend for up to 12 months on two further occasions. A break clause will be written into the terms and conditions of the contract.

Option 2 – Do nothing and let the current service continue on an implied contract. This is not the recommended option.  The service provider could end their commitment and vulnerable women and children will be at risk and the borough would be left without refuge services.

Option 3 – Make a direct award to the current service provider for a one-year period from 1 April 2022 until 31 March 2023. This is not the recommended option.  The current contract has been ongoing since 2009. The planned recommissioning of the service in 2020 was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A competitive tender process is necessary to ensure H&F can secure the highest quality and best value contract for refuge services.