Decision details

The Deputy Leader approves:

Signing of the draft Memorandum of Understanding with North West London Integrated Care Board (NWL ICB) to regularise arrangements for Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Intensive Therapeutic Behavioural Support Services via the NWL ICB Block Contract arrangement with West London NHS Trust (WLT). This shall reflect an annual financial contribution of £255,368 towards the CCAMHS contract, and £95,779 towards the ITBSS contract provided by WLT for a period of 5 years, for a total of £1,755,734. This shall be awarded on a 12-month rolling contract basis with a 6-month break clause. 

This decision enables the Local Authority to discharge its statutory duties under Children Act 1989 to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children, and supports improved strategic relationships and strengthened joint working between the Local Authority and ICB.

Option 1: Agree to financial contributions for CCAMHS and ITBSS via a MOU to the NWL ICB Block Contract (recommended)

1.     This will secure existing provision enabling the Local Authority to continue to meet its statutory responsibilities for children and young people requiring mental health support, investing in early intervention provision to meet need.

2.     This is an existing contractual arrangement held by the NWL ICB. The service is not being re-procured but continued under the current contract, to which the Local Authority contributes annually. This approach maintains continuity of provision and supports the development of a long-term strategic relationship with the ICB. 

Option 2: Do not agree to financial contributions for CCAMHS and ITBSS via a MOU to the NWL ICB Block Contract (not recommended)

3.     This option would see existing arrangements continue with the Local Authority continuing to make financial contributions separately from the ICB, failing to realise opportunities to improve joint commissioning arrangements and contractual clarity between the organisations.

4.     Continued contribution through a MOU arrangement supports a long-term strategic relationship that strengthens joint working between the Local Authority and ICB, and integrated service delivery by WLT. Contracting independently undermines this collaborative approach and reduces opportunities for system-wide transformation. This option is therefore not recommended.