Decision details

This report seeks approval to vary the semi-independent living (SIL) services for care experienced young people, 16 years old and over, and young people at risk (YPAR) of becoming homeless across London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham for a further three months under the current contract terms whilst mobilisation of a new contract following an open tender is concluded. This includes extending the existing Housing Management Agreement (HMA) for three Council owned properties.

The Executive Director of People Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader, approves: 

1. To note that the finance, legal and procurement implications, and property addresses for the leases included in this award, are outlined in Appendices 2-5 and are not for publication on the basis that they contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) as set out in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).  

2. The variation of a contract to Centrepoint Soho, for the provision of semi-independent living (SIL) services for young people for a further three months under the current contract terms, at a total cost of approximately £389,410.05 

3. The variation of the contract for any period beyond 3 months to be delegated to the Director of Commissioning and Transformation. 

The Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy, approves: 

4. The extension of the existing Housing Management Agreement (HMA) for three other Council owned properties, at a total revenue cost of £45,369. 

1.     The purpose of SIL services is to provide young people with a supportive home within their local community whilst they build a range of life skills to enable them to make a successful transition to living independently when they feel ready to do so.

2.     Both Children’s Services and Housing have statutory duties to provide sufficient accommodation to meet the needs of care experienced young people and young people at risk of homelessness. Commissioning a SIL block contract ensures that we have access to high-quality in-borough SIL accommodation for this cohort, with improved access to local services, family and community networks, and at lower cost than out-of-borough spot-purchased alternatives.

3.     Given the strategic importance of the SIL contract, it is not possible to have a gap in service provision once the current contract ends, and any gap would be extremely disruptive to the young people currently living in local SIL services. As such, an extension of the current arrangements for a short, time limited period is therefore recommended to ensure continuity of provision whilst the issues with the long-term contract are resolved. 

1.     Option 1 – Approve the proposals outlined in this paper to extend the current provision of SIL services (recommended) 

There are some mobilisation matters which have not been resolved in readiness for the contract start date. Extending the current arrangements will therefore ensure continuity of provision while we work through the issues with the new contract.

2.     Option 2 – Do not approve the proposals outlined in this paper (not recommended) 

 
Not approving the proposals is not recommended as this would result in there either being a non-regularised arrangement with the current provider, or a gap in provision which would be extremely disruptive for young people and costly for the local authority.