Decision details

Travel Care Minibus Call off Contract Extension

Decision Maker: Director Children's Services

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The initial call off period was for five (5) years with the option to extend for a further two (2) years. This paper seeks to enact the extension for the full two-year period to enable continuity of provision and ensure the authority to continues to meet its statutory responsibilities.

Decision:

The Director Children’s Services and the Strategic Director of Social Care.

 

1.    Approves an extension to the Lot 1 Travel Care Minibus Call off Contract with HCT Group for a period of two (2) years from 01 August 2022 to 31 July 2024 at a total forecasted cost of £4.5m.

 

Reasons for the decision:

The call off contract which services the minibus provision expires on the 31st of July 2022 with the option to extend for a further two years.

 

Alternative options considered:

Option 1 – Approve the two-year extension to the call off contract with HCT Group for minibus provision. (Recommended)

 

The performance of the provider remains positive, and this option seeks to ensure continuity in provision and quality of services for residents in the borough. This option reduces the likelihood of change for vulnerable residents who are comforted by regularity and consistency in the service.

 

Option 2 - Undertake an open, competitive tender exercise (Not recommended)

 

The COVID-19 pandemic, fuel crisis and Brexit have put considerable pressure on the market and the landscape remains challenging. Undertaking a competitive tender exercise at this point is not recommended due to the fragility of the market and the significant risk this would pose to the delivery of services including higher unit costs and a lack of sufficient capacity to be able to meet needs.

 

Publication date: 04/07/2022

Date of decision: 01/07/2022

Effective from: 07/07/2022

Accompanying Documents: