Agenda, decisions and minutes

At 19.00hrs, in the absence of the Chair  (Councillor Rennison)  the Clerk to the proceedings sought a nomination for the Chair of the meeting for either the duration of the proceedings or until the Chair arrived.

Councillor Burke nominated Councillor Bramble .

There being no other nominations Councillor Bramble took the Chair nemine contradicente..

NOTED

COUNCILLOR BRAMBLE IN THE CHAIR

There was an  apologies for lateness from Councillor Rennison and Selman.

NOTED

At 19.00hrs, in the absence of the Chair  (Councillor Rennison)  the Clerk to the proceedings sought a nomination for the Chair of the meeting for either the duration of the proceedings or until the Chair arrived.

Councillor Burke nominated Councillor Bramble .

There being no other nominations Councillor Bramble took the Chair nemine contradicente.

NOTED

COUNCILLOR BRAMBLE IN THE CHAIR

There were  apologies for lateness from Councillor Rennison and Selman.

NOTED

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of Urgent Business. Late items of Urgent Business will be considered under the agenda item where they appear. New items of unrestricted urgent business will be dealt with under Item 10 below. New items of exempt urgent business will be dealt with at Item 18 below.

There were no items of urgent business.

NOTED

There were no items of urgent business.

NOTED

A Member with a disclosable pecuniary interest or a prejudicial interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered:

(i) must disclose the interest at the start of the meeting or when the interest becomes apparent, and

(ii) may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must withdraw from the meeting room.

A Member who discloses at a meeting a disclosable pecuniary interest which is not registered in the Register of Members’ Interests or the subject of a pending notification must notify the Monitoring Officer of the interest within 28 days of the disclosure.

Disclosable pecuniary interests, personal interests and prejudicial interests are defined at Paragraphs 8.1-15.2 of Section Two of Part 5 of the Constitution  and Appendix A of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

A Member with a disclosable pecuniary interest or a prejudicial interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered:

(i) must disclose the interest at the start of the meeting or when the interest becomes apparent, and

(ii) may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must withdraw from the meeting room.

A Member who discloses at a meeting a disclosable pecuniary interest which is not registered in the Register of Members’ Interests or the subject of a pending notification must notify the Monitoring Officer of the interest within 28 days of the disclosure.

Disclosable pecuniary interests, personal interests and prejudicial interests are defined at Paragraphs 8.1-15.2 of Section Two of Part 5 of the Constitution  and Appendix A of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interests at the commencement of the meeting.

Clerk’s note

Upon arrival and during consideration of Item 7 the Chair (Cllr Rennison) declared a non prejudicial interest.

NOTED

There were no declarations of interests at the commencement of the meeting.

Clerk’s note

Upon arrival and during consideration of Item 7 the Chair (Cllr Rennison) declared a non prejudicial interest.

NOTED

On occasions part of the Cabinet Procurement Committee meeting will be held in private and will not be open to the public if an item is being considered that is likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt or confidential information. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to On occasions part of the Cabinet Procurement Committee meeting will be held in private and will not be open to the public if an item is being considered that is likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt or confidential information. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (the “Regulations”), members of the public can make representations about why that part of the meeting should be open to the public.

This agenda contains exempt items as set out at Items 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17:

No representations with regard to these have been received.

This is the formal 5 clear day notice under the Regulations to confirm that this Cabinet Procurement Committee meeting will be partly held in private for the reasons set out in this Agenda.  Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (the “Regulations”), members of the public can make representations about why that part of the meeting should be open to the public.

There were no representations received.

NOTED

There were no representations received.

NOTED

There were no Deputations/Petitions/Questions.

NOTED

There were no Deputations/Petitions/Questions.

NOTED

To confirm the unrestricted minutes of the meeting of Cabinet Procurement Committee held on 9 September 2019.

RESOLVED

That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet Procurement Committee held on 9 September 2019 be confirmed as an accurate record of the proceedings.

At this point in the proceedings (6.07pm) the Chair MOVED an adjournment of the meeting for a period of ten minutes or until the arrival of the sitting Chair – Councillor Rennison – whichever was the earlier.

The MOTION was carried nemine contradicente.

The Committee adjourned at 6.08pm.

Councillors Rennison and Selman arrived at 6.10pm, and the Committee reconvened.

RESOLVED

That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet Procurement Committee held on 9 September 2019 be confirmed as an accurate record of the proceedings.

At this point in the proceedings (6.07pm) the Chair MOVED an adjournment of the meeting for a period of ten minutes or until the arrival of the sitting Chair – Councillor Rennison – whichever was the earlier.

The MOTION was carried nemine contradicente.

The Committee adjourned at 6.08pm.

Councillors Rennison and Selman arrived at 6.10pm, and the Committee reconvened.

This report seeks approval to award a contract for an integrated  housing related support service in the London Borough of Hackney and City of London.

Following the introduction of the report Councillor Bramble relinquished and Councillor Rennison took the Chair.

COUNCILLOR RENNISON IN THE CHAIR

RESOLVED

That approval be given to the awarding the contract for the City & Hackney Housing First Service to Provider A, as detailed in the exempt appendix to the report, and that the total cost of the provision to be £214,338 for a period of one (1) year with an option to extend for a further two (2 ) years (1 + 1 + 1 years), representing a whole contract value of £656,544.

RELATED DECISIONS

Cabinet Procurement Committee agreed to the procurement of this service on 12th September 2018.  A reference to the Business Case can be found at the link:

Re-tendering of Housing Related Support Contracts - Key Decision No. CACH  P9

http://mginternet.hackney.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=32105

REASONS FOR DECISION/OPTIONS APPRAISAL.

The purpose of the service described in this report is to deliver  intensive, wraparound, person-centred, housing-related support to 20 entrenched rough sleepers enabling them to move away from marginalised and chaotic lifestyles.  By providing access to stable, independent housing to a cohort traditionally excluded from this type of accommodation, service users will have the opportunity to address their support needs, thus reducing pressure on the Council’s homeless services. 

  Traditional homeless hostels deliver support that is transactional; using a support plan that is jointly agreed with their support worker, service users move towards stability and independence by engaging with interventions that help them achieve  their personal goals. This model delivers successful outcomes for the majority of service users, who eventually move into their own home after completing their support journey.  There is, however, a cohort for whom this approach is unsuccessful.  Housing First inverts the journey from street homeless to stably housed by delivering accommodation before support needs have been addressed. 

Housing First provides self-contained, independent housing with access to high levels of person-centred housing related support as required.  Placing an emphasis on tenancy sustainment, service users will experience a support journey that is self-directed, enabling them to address their support issues at their own pace, without fear of being penalised for not following a prescribed support journey.

  A relatively new model, this service is an alternative for those with a history of entrenched rough sleeping/homelessness and complex needs, those who typically  ‘revolve’ through services without achieving positive outcomes. 

City & Hackney Housing First also represents real collaboration between City & Hackney CCG, London Borough of Hackney and the City of London, demonstrating the partner’s commitment to integrating Health and Local Authority services.

An evaluation of existing Housing First services in the UK has found that they deliver better outcomes than other support options and are more cost effective than special hostels or general needs shared accommodation^[1].  The model also has the potential to deliver significant savings to health and other public services.

The Chair asked for a brief introduction of the report.

The Head of  Commissioning for Adult Services – Mr Wall advised the Committee that the report before it sought approval to award a contract for an integrated  housing-related support service in the London Borough of Hackney and City of London. The service delivered support to people with multiple and complex needs associated with entrenched street homelessness (rough sleeping), including mental ill health, offending behaviour, substance misuse and personality disorders. The procurement process had ensured that the service would be innovative, efficient and fit for the future, promoting independence, increasing quality of life and helping people re-engage in their local communities.

Mr Wall commented that the contract was due to commence in January 2020 and would be delivered for one year with the option to extend for one plus one years.

Following the introduction of the report Councillor Bramble relinquished and Councillor Rennison took the Chair.

COUNCILLOR RENNISON IN THE CHAIR

The Chair asked if there were any points of clarification from members.

In response to questions from Members,  Ms Gachette  - Senior Commissioner – Adult Services  advised that tender selection process had involved  a six core members panel who had  evaluated all of the questions (excluding the financial scoring) from City & Hackney CCG, LBH commissioning, LBH adult services and City of London commissioning. Following assessment/evaluation the tender panel recommended that Provider A be awarded the contract for Housing First. It was the case that Provider A demonstrated that they would be able to meet the full requirements of the specification and that they understood the model.

In response to further points of clarification Ms Gachette further advised that whilst there had  only been one bidder, the panel scored the quality bid and the  panel acknowledged that this was a reflection of the challenges in procuring suitable accommodation. It was a fact that the  bidder demonstrated high levels of awareness of the needs of a Housing First client, highlighting their experience of delivering the model in other London boroughs, and showcasing the success they had achieved in supporting clients to obtain positive outcomes and sustain tenancies. 

Ms Gachette also commented that the preferred provider submitted a bid that included suitable independent accommodation which was crucial to successful delivery of the model, but also a challenge in London where there was a current severe housing shortage.  The bidder had also presented a detailed and relevant mobilisation plan alongside a realistic risk assessment with moderations, giving the commissioners reassurance that this provider would be able to manage the significant service model and their obligations to the proposed contract.

In respect of local employment opportunities Ms Gachette  advised that the provider was committed to provide opportunities in the area, and in line with the London living wage.

With regard to future funding Ms Gachette commented that in terms of identifying sources it was the case that the Government had signalled the need to tackle and address the issue of homelessness and officers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

This report proposes the award of contract to a single organisation for the continued provision of Adults Learning Disabilities Supported Living Schemes at Homer and Wick Roads.  The schemes will provide services for a group of vulnerable residents with complex needs in the London Borough of Hackney, helping them to maintain independent living arrangements, and avoiding the use of residential placements outside of the borough.

RESOLVED

That approval be given to the awarding of a contract for the Adults Learning Disabilities Supported Living Service at Homer and Wick Roads to Provider D as detailed in the exempt appendix to the report, and that the total cost of the provision will be £5.45m for a period of five (5) years with an option to extend for a further 2 years at a total cost of £7.63m (5 + 1 + 1 years).

RELATED DECISIONS

Cabinet Procurement Committee agreed to the procurement of this service at its meeting on 10  December 2018.  A reference to the business case and the minutes of that meeting can be found at the link below:

?  Business Case: Adults Learning Disabilities Supported Living Scheme at Homer and Wick Roads (Key Decision No CACH P46):

http://lbhmgovappp01/documents/s63242/101218%20CPC%20FINALHomerWick.pdf

REASONS FOR DECISION

This report proposes that the Adults Learning Disabilities (LD) Supported Living Services for Homer and Wick Roads will deliver the following key benefits to the Council:

?  Supporting service users to access community services and become engaged citizens of the local community ( Bridging the gap).

?  Working with Hackney People First to support individuals to develop self-advocacy skills.

The current contract for provision of care and support at these schemes was due to end on 31 December 2018, however there was a six month option to extend until 30 June 2019, which has been invoked along with an additional extension to 31 December 2019. Therefore a new contract for care and support needs to be tendered.

Homer Road and Wick Road are two supported living properties for potentially 18 tenants with learning disabilities. Currently there are 17 tenants (one who is placed from out-of-borough), plus one void. The landlord for these properties is Peabody Housing.

The tenants in both of these schemes are primarily those with profound and multiple learning disabilities. They have long term high needs and significant communication difficulties. Some have significant health needs and challenging behaviour; some come under Continuing Health Care provision, which is funded by the NHS.

The service users at this scheme require long-term and often specialist support. Many are unable to communicate their needs, and have reduced mental capacity to make decisions around their care and support. Advocacy has been provided to ensure users are actively engaged in shaping the support service they need.  Also, several of the service users are becoming older people and as such the needs of this user group are likely to increase.

The Chair asked for an introduction of the report.

The Head of Commissioning for Adult Services – Mr Wall advised the Committee that the report before it proposed the award of contract to a single organisation for the continued provision of Adults Learning Disabilities Supported Living Schemes at Homer and Wick Roads. As the Committee may recall the report was brought back to Cabinet Procurement Committee in December 2018 following further consideration and comment in relation to bringing the contract back ‘in house’.

Mr Wall highlighted that the proposal would provide services for a group of vulnerable residents with complex needs in the London Borough of Hackney, helping them to maintain independent living arrangements, and avoiding the use of residential placements outside of the borough. It would also provide the appropriate level of social support and care to improve the quality of life for residents and assist them to maintain their own tenancies as part of the scheme, and furthermore people would also be able to develop their independent living skills; work towards fulfilling personal goals; and make connections within their communities, preventing isolation and social exclusion.

With regard to the length of the contract Mr Wall advised that it was the intention for the new contract to commence in January 2020, and that it was anticipated that a three month mobilisation period would be required. The contract length was for five years with the option to extend for a further two years. The new total contract value would  be £7.63m, with an annual contract value of £1.09m.

Concerning the tender submission and evaluation Mr Wall informed the meeting that twelve submissions were received in total and  following a full assessment of the SQ, six had passed all of the related questions, including an experience-based question relating to the delivery of a supported living scheme to adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).  Mr Wall advised that that the tender assessment process consisted a tender panel evaluation comprising core members from the Adults Commissioning team, plus an expert by experience, a finance panel for scoring the pricing element, and an additional panel that scored a 15 minute presentation made by each bidder.

Mr Wall reported that during the clarification period set aside for questions, a large number of enquiries were received regarding TUPE.  Due to the number of TUPE clarification questions and the delayed response that resulted from requests to the existing provider, made by organisations wishing to tender, it there had been an extension to the closing date from 4 June to 17 June 2018 (an extension of 9 working days).

In conclusion Mr Wall advised that it was recommended that Provider D  as detailed in the exempt appendix be  awarded the contract for the Supported Living Services at Homer and Wick Roads.  Provider D had demonstrated that it would be able to meet the full requirements of the specification and understood the needs of this service as evidenced through experience in delivering similar contracts elsewhere in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The proposal in this report sets out an exciting opportunity to join with seven London Boroughs to jointly commission local residential provision for Looked after Children. This initiative would make a significant difference in the way that children and young people experience residential care. Currently most children who, because of their needs, require a placement within a specialist provision such as a residential children’s home, are placed at a considerable distance from home.

RESOLVED

That the delegated authority in respect of the residential contract award be noted.

The Chair advised the Committee that the item was for information as the delegated authority had been taken, and the purpose of the report was to advise the Committee of this action. The Chair asked for an introduction of the report.

The Resource Manager for Children & Families Placement Management Unit – Ms Zazovskaya advised the Committee that the overall proposal as set out in the report detailed an exciting opportunity to join with seven London Boroughs to jointly commission local residential provision for Looked after Children. This initiative would make a significant difference in the way that children and young people experienced residential care. Currently most children who, because of their needs, required a placement within a specialist provision such as a residential children’s home, were placed at a considerable distance from home.

Ms Zazovskayacommented that Children’s homes were able to provide support and care for some of Hackney’s most vulnerable children and young people. The Council wanted each child in its care to be provided with the right placement at the right time, and for residential care to be a positive and beneficial choice for children and young people. By working together with other Local Authorities there was an opportunity to deliver significant improvements to the outcomes for children in residential care. By improving availability in the North East London footprint, it would ensure that children were kept closer to home and their communities, and were supported by highly skilled staff and experience culturally appropriate placements.

Ms Zazovskayaadvised that Hackney would work closely with partner Local Authorities and providers to focus on valuing Hackney’s young people’s heritage, promoting family and sibling contact and community ties and therefore making the transition back home, or supporting young people onto independence in the local community, easier. There was a legal obligation under the Children Act 1989 to provide suitable accommodation for Looked after Children and fulfil the corporate parenting duty. It was the collective responsibility of the Council, elected members, employees and partner agencies to provide the best possible care and safeguarding for the children who are looked after by London Borough of Hackney.

Ms Zazovskayafurther commented that the contract recommended would deliver 35 residential children home placements in the North East London footprint that would offer better outcomes for children and young people and best value for Local Authorities through achieving economies of scale through a block contract. As well as strong contract management arrangements there would be a strong process in place to avoid or minimise voids. 5 of these places were for Hackney.

Ms Zazovskaya went to state that the proposed long term outcomes of the project included increasing the sufficiency of suitable placements, piloting sub regional commissioning arrangements with the view of expanding this to other Local Authorities in the future and, increasing value for money for Local Authorities. This would ultimately, partly address some of the cost pressure on the service. The service would also support young people’s rehabilitation back to a family environment  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

There were no items of unrestricted urgent business.

NOTED

There were no items of unrestricted urgent business.

NOTED

Meetings will be held at 5.00pm on:

4 November 2019

2 December 2019

13 January 2020

10 February 2020

11 March 2020

6 April 2020

11 May 2020 – new meeting

NOTED

The remaining meetings of the Cabinet Procurement Committee for the Municipal Year 2019/20 will be held at 5.00pm on:

4 November 2019

2 December 2019

13 January 2020

10 February 2020

11 March 2020

6 April 2020

11 May 2020 – new meeting

NOTED

The remaining meetings of the Cabinet Procurement Committee for the Municipal Year 2019/20 will be held at 5.00pm on:

4 November 2019

2 December 2019

13 January 2020

10 February 2020

11 March 2020

6 April 2020

11 May 2020 – new meeting

Note from the Governance Services Manager

Items 13 – 16 allows for the consideration of exempt information in relation to items 7 -9 respectively. Item 17 is wholly exempt and does not have an unrestricted item.

Proposed resolution:

THAT the press and public be excluded from the proceedings of the Cabinet Procurement Committee during consideration of Exempt items x-x on the agenda on the grounds that it is likely, in the view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that were members of the public to be present, there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended.

RESOLVED

THAT the press and public be excluded from the proceedings of the Cabinet Procurement Committee during consideration of Exempt items 13-17 on the agenda on the grounds that it is likely, in the view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that were members of the public to be present, there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended.

RESOLVED

THAT the press and public be excluded from the proceedings of the Cabinet Procurement Committee during consideration of Exempt items 13-17 on the agenda on the grounds that it is likely, in the view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that were members of the public to be present, there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as amended.

To confirm the exempt minutes of the meeting of Cabinet Procurement Committee held on 9 September 2019.

RESOLVED

That the EXEMPT minutes of the Cabinet Procurement Committee held on 9 September 2019 be confirmed as an accurate record of the proceedings.

RESOLVED

That the EXEMPT minutes of the Cabinet Procurement Committee held on 9 September 2019 be confirmed as an accurate record of the proceedings.

Item 7 refers

Appendix A is exempt from publication under para 3, Part 1, Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED

That exempt Appendix A in relation to agenda item 7 in the unrestricted part of the agenda be agreed and noted.

RESOLVED

That exempt Appendix A in relation to agenda item 7 in the unrestricted part of the agenda be agreed and noted.

Item 8 refers

Appendix 2 is exempt from publication under para 3, Part 1, Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED

That exempt Appendix 2 in relation to agenda item 8 in the unrestricted part of the agenda be agreed and noted.

RESOLVED

That exempt Appendix 2 in relation to agenda item 8 in the unrestricted part of the agenda be agreed and noted.

Item 9 refers

Appendix 1A is exempt from publication under para 3, Part 1, Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED

That exempt Appendix 1A in relation to agenda item 9 in the unrestricted part of the agenda be noted.

RESOLVED

That exempt Appendix 1A in relation to agenda item 9 in the unrestricted part of the agenda be noted.

This item is exempt from publication under para 3, Part 1, Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED

That the exempt briefing on Hackney Young Carers Project (HYCP) be noted.

The Chair asked for a summary in respect of the circulated briefing note which was before the Committee for information.

The Business Development and Support Manager - Children & Families Services Mr Tuckley informed the Committee that Hackney’s Children and Families Service had committed to delivering the Young Carers Project through their in-house service delivery. Mr Tuckley briefed the Committee of the process of insourcing of the service as detailed in the briefing. Hackney’s vision was to ensure that all agencies had a good understanding of how to identify a young carer and be able to work together to support every young carer to have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and to ensure that their families will be able to access a full range of services to meet their needs.

The Chair, in asking if Members had any comments in relation to the process, commented that it was evident that insourcing was challenging in terms of assessing of costs and viability.  However it was clear that officers had worked extremely hard on managing the process of change and that as a result the Council was learning valuable lessons for the future.

Both Councillors Bramble and Burke welcomed the proposals and the rigorous and professional way in which the process was being managed. In particular it was a positive to see the engagement of young carers and parents and reassurance being given in terms of the whole future delivery. By effective continual monitoring and assessment of delivery this would assist in ensuring a robust and effective in house service. Whilst the enormity of proposals for insourcing were considerable it was evident that it was achievable.

RESOLVED

That the exempt briefing on Hackney Young Carers Project (HYCP) be noted.

There were no items of exempt urgent business.

NOTED