Decision
Analysis
outcome: The extension of the contract with Peabody Trust for the specified services has been approved.
summary: The decision involves approving an extension to the contract with Peabody Trust for Severe and Multiple Disadvantage Service and Intensive Housing Support Service for 6 months.
topline: The Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities has decided to approve an extension to the contract with Peabody Trust for Severe and Multiple Disadvantage Service and Intensive Housing Support Service for 6 months.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves procurement regulations, funding sources, and potential disruptions in support services for vulnerable individuals.
affected_stakeholders: ["Peabody Trust", "Individuals with severe and complex needs", "Local community"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no explicit mentions of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1504
Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose: The decision to be taken is: 1. Approval of an extension to the contract with Peabody Trust for Severe and Multiple Disadvantage Service and Intensive Housing Support Service for a period of 6 months commencing on 1st October 2025. 2. Delegates authority to the Executive Director Adults and Communities to finalise the terms of the extension and enter into the contract. This is to facilitate the requirements under the Procurement Act for the procurement being undertaken for a future contract.
Content: The decision to be taken is: 1. Approval of an extension to the contract with Peabody Trust for Severe and Multiple Disadvantage Service and Intensive Housing Support Service for a period of 6 months commencing on 1st October 2025. 2. Delegates authority to the Executive Director Adults and Communities to finalise the terms of the extension and enter into the contract. This is to facilitate the requirements under the Procurement Act for the procurement being undertaken for a future contract. 1. That an extension of the contract for Severe and Multiple Disadvantage Service and Intensive Housing Support Service, with Peabody Trust for a period of 6 months commencing on 1 October 2025 be approved. 2. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director Adults and Communities to finalise the terms of the extension and enter into the contract. Work has been undertaken to review and re-design the current service specification, however unavoidable delays occasioned by agreeing the source and extent of funding for the new service, and changes to procurement regulations which require additional time to implement a tender process, has meant that the proposed new contract start date of 1st October is unachievable. Extending the contract will allow adequate time to deliver a successful tender process and helps make sure there’s no break in support for people with serious and complex needs. Due to the above delays, we are within the three-month notice period required to serve notice for the incumbent provider. For this reason, an urgent decision facilitated through the general exception route is requested to ensure communications are made with current providers promptly, and that the extension is granted so there is adequate time to deliver an effective tender process for the new service. Do nothing and continue with tender for contract award on 1st October 2025 or decommission the service.
Date of Decision: August 13, 2025