Agenda item

8.1

The Interim Executive Director, Resources submitted a report in relation to the Special Educational Needs/Looked After Children/Vulnerable Adults Transport Network.

8.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the establishment of a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for taxi and minibus provision (with or without escorts) as outlined in the report, and that the DPS runs for a 24 month period with an option to extend for a further two 12 month periods, subject to satisfactory performance; and

(b)

delegates authority to the Director of Commercial Services or her nominated representative to accept tenders and award Contracts for this project.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

The current contracts were advertised and let as 12 month contracts with an optional 12 month extension.  There is no provision within the contracts for a further extension.

8.3.2

The Council has a 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.  Part of this assistance is met by the Council’s in-house fleet.  However, it is not possible for all provision to be met in-house.  In order to complement the Council’s in-house fleet and maintain an appropriate level of service support for end users, further capacity is generated by utilising additional contractors.  Contracts for these services are let through a competitive tendering process to ensure best value is achieved and in order to comply with legislative requirements.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

There are a limited number of alternative options open.  ‘Do nothing’ would leave the Council short on capacity to deliver the required services to vulnerable clients and risk a breach of statutory duty. 

8.4.2

Entering into a collaborative framework with other public bodies has also been considered.  However, the Council’s requirements are large and complex and therefore its own bespoke framework is considered the most suitable option with the framework procured in such a way that other public bodies may also use it should it offer a suitable compliant route to market for them.

8.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

8.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

8.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Eugene Walker, Interim Executive Director, Resources

8.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee

8.1

The Interim Executive Director, Resources submitted a report in relation to the Special Educational Needs/Looked After Children/Vulnerable Adults Transport Network.

8.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the establishment of a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for taxi and minibus provision (with or without escorts) as outlined in the report, and that the DPS runs for a 24 month period with an option to extend for a further two 12 month periods, subject to satisfactory performance; and

(b)

delegates authority to the Director of Commercial Services, or her nominated representative, to accept tenders and award Contracts for this project.

8.3

Reasons for Decision

8.3.1

The current contracts were advertised and let as 12 month contracts with an optional 12 month extension.  There is no provision within the contracts for a further extension.

8.3.2

The Council has a 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.  Part of this assistance is met by the Council’s in-house fleet.  However, it is not possible for all provision to be met in-house.  In order to complement the Council’s in-house fleet and maintain an appropriate level of service support for end users, further capacity is generated by utilising additional contractors.  Contracts for these services are let through a competitive tendering process to ensure best value is achieved and in order to comply with legislative requirements.

8.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

8.4.1

There are a limited number of alternative options open.  ‘Do nothing’ would leave the Council short on capacity to deliver the required services to vulnerable clients and risk a breach of statutory duty. 

8.4.2

Entering into a collaborative framework with other public bodies has also been considered.  However, the Council’s requirements are large and complex and therefore its own bespoke framework is considered the most suitable option with the framework procured in such a way that other public bodies may also use it should it offer a suitable compliant route to market for them.