Decision details

14.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report seeking authority to extend the current transport framework for taxi and minibus provision (with or without escorts). Sheffield City Council currently provide taxi and minibus transport for Special Education Needs (SEN) children, Looked after Children (LAC) and vulnerable adults.

14.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-      

(a) approves the extension of the current transport framework for taxi and minibus provision (with or without escorts) for a period of 3 years in accordance with and for the reasons outlined in the report; and

(b) delegates authority to the Executive Director of Place, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Commercial Services and the Director of Legal and Governance to:

(i)            decide the award of any new contracts to the successful suppliers chosen by the Council following their application to the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) framework and following any further competition; and

(ii)          take all other decisions necessary in order to meet the aims, objectives and outcomes of the report which are not already covered by existing delegations in the Leaders Scheme of Delegation.

14.3

Reasons for Decision

14.3.1

The continuation of the DPS framework will permit competitive tendering amongst local businesses and will drive down the cost and increase availability of taxis & minibuses to the City Council. The DPS is preferred to any of the existing frameworks as a better and more economic fit for the needs of Sheffield Transport. It is expected that the framework will continue to develop over its 3-year period, delivering a service that users benefit from as well as providing local employment and developing local businesses

14.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

14.4.1

Alternative Option 1 – Do nothing

If the Council did nothing and did not put in place a new framework or extend the existing DPS framework, then the Council would not be able to meet its statutory responsibility to provide travel assistance to children who have an entitlement because of their special educational needs and for Adult Care clients to meet their respite and other needs.

14.4.2

Alternative Option 2 – Put in place a new Council framework agreement.

A framework agreement is an umbrella agreement that will set out the terms of supply such as price, quality, and quantity under which individual contracts can be made throughout an agreed period, usually up to 4 years. Frameworks help streamline procurement for both suppliers and authorities; suppliers don’t have to demonstrate suitability and capability every time they wish to compete for a contract, and the award of individual tenders can be quicker than under some other procedures. The Council requires a highly flexible contracting system that is responsive to changing client needs and/or funding arrangements, whilst maintaining specified levels of service quality. The main benefit of a framework agreement is providing taxi services on a call off arrangement meaning the Council can increase or decrease its demand for taxi services in the future as this arrangement gives no guarantee of any minimum or maximum value of work for suppliers. Furthermore, it is evident that this service would highly benefit from multiple suppliers making a DPS framework more suitable.

14.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

14.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

14.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Laraine Manley, Executive Director, Place

14.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee