URL: https://democratic.trafford.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1472

Decision Maker: Executive Member for Healthy & Independent Lives

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The current contract for substance misuse prevention and treatment is held by Salford City Council who are procuring these services on behalf of themselves and Trafford Borough Council (Trafford BC) and Bolton Council. The current contract expires on 31st March 2026 following a one-year extension to the original 5+2 year contract. A previous key decision was made by Executive on 24th June 2024 to re-commission these services with an updated specification. Following negotiations with the intention to Direct Award under Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, agreement could not be reached on the financial envelope and existing specification which meant that the terms and conditions of Direct Award could not be met and therefore, a full open procurement process was required. This has now concluded, pending final sign off through Salford City Council’s Procurement Board. Following the procurement process, the proposal is to award two new 5 year contracts each with an option to extend for 2 years – one relating to adults and one relating to children and families. The proposed future contracts will be held by Salford City Council on behalf of Trafford Borough Council and Bury Council and the relationship between Trafford BC and Salford City Council will be supported by a Memorandum of Understanding, as has been the case during the previous contracts.

Content: The current contract for substance misuse prevention and treatment is held by Salford City Council who are procuring these services on behalf of themselves and Trafford Borough Council (Trafford BC) and Bolton Council. The current contract expires on 31st March 2026 following a one-year extension to the original 5+2 year contract. A previous key decision was made by Executive on 24th June 2024 to re-commission these services with an updated specification. Following negotiations with the intention to Direct Award under Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, agreement could not be reached on the financial envelope and existing specification which meant that the terms and conditions of Direct Award could not be met and therefore, a full open procurement process was required. This has now concluded, pending final sign off through Salford City Council’s Procurement Board. Following the procurement process, the proposal is to award two new 5 year contracts each with an option to extend for 2 years – one relating to adults and one relating to children and families. The proposed future contracts will be held by Salford City Council on behalf of Trafford Borough Council and Bury Council and the relationship between Trafford BC and Salford City Council will be supported by a Memorandum of Understanding, as has been the case during the previous contracts. (1)       That the proposal to enter into two new collaborative arrangements for the delivery of drug and alcohol prevention and treatment services, with Salford City Council as lead commissioner, be approved as detailed within the report.   (2)       That the proposal for Salford City Council to award contracts to Provider 1 (for Lot 1: Bury, Salford, Trafford Drug & Alcohol Treatment and Recovery 2 Services for Adults) and to Provider 2 (for Lot 2: Bury, Salford, Trafford Drug & Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Services for Children, Young People and Families) on behalf of Trafford Council following the provision in the Provider Selection Regime, Competitive Process, be approved.   (3)       That authority be delegated to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Director of Legal and Governance to finalise and enter into all legal agreements required to implement the above. Drug and alcohol prevention and treatment services are critical in the Council’s aim to improve the lives of all residents and reduce inequalities. Reducing harms from alcohol is a priority of the Health and Wellbeing Board.   The review of evidence shows strengths in the current model and good performance. Awarding the contracts to Provider 1 and Provider 2 following competitive tender process enables the authority to build on this and progress the 11 recommendations in the JSNA with some stability due to recommission of incumbent providers.   The current financial envelope recognises the cumulative pressures of wage and wider inflation on both NHS and community organisations but the envelope for the new contracts has not been uplifted for inflation, reflecting the significant pressures on the local authority and encouraging innovation and efficiencies through the re[1]tender process.   A decision is required to give authority to award, via Salford City Council on Trafford’s behalf. Trafford Council to separate from Bury and Salford Local Authorities and commission alone.   Trafford Council, Bury and Salford Local Authorities choose not to award the contract to Provider 1 or Provider 2, which would result in a failed 10 procurement. The Local Authorities would require an additional contract extension with the current provider, and to recommission the service. None.

Date of Decision: October 1, 2025