Decision details

Approval is being sought to agree to end a contract (which is a small pilot ‘Housing First’ service) on 26^th April 2019, prior to the end of the contract period but where both the provider and commissioners mutually wish to end the contract. 

That approval be given to end a contract for the ‘Housing First’ pilot on 26^th April 2019, by mutual agreement between the Council and The Cathedral Archer Project (the provider).

The decision is one of mutual agreement between the service provider and the Council as commissioners.

The service has not produced the desired outcomes and there does not seem any reasonable prospect of this improving within the current arrangements.

Continued funding of the service in the current financial climate cannot be justified.

Option 1 – Continue the service until the end of the contract.  This is not desirable as outcomes are not being achieved and accommodation is not easily available for clients in the service.  This would not provide value for money for the Council nor a useful solution to individual service users. 

Option 2 – Bring the contract to an end earlier.  This would not be desirable as could present risks to the wellbeing of Housing First clients.  The Council and provider will put in place support for clients who require this after the end of the contract.  This needs to be planned in advance. 

Option 3 – End the contract on 26th April 2019.  This is the preferred option.  The timescale permits sufficient notice to ensure support is put in place for existing clients.  The termination of the contract will enable savings from the contract price.