Decision
Analysis
outcome: The proposal to recommission the service for five years with two one-year extension options was approved.
summary: The decision at stake is the recommissioning of the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Service under a competitive procurement process.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to recommission the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Service to provide essential support to victims of domestic abuse.
reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it involves providing essential support to victims of domestic abuse, which is a statutory duty of the Council.
affected_stakeholders: ["victims of domestic abuse", "Children and Families department", "Women's Housing Action Group (WHAG)"]
contentiousness_score: 2
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2006
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose: To seek Cabinet approval for expenditure to commission the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Service.
Content: To seek Cabinet approval for expenditure to commission the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Service. Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director of Children and Families which sought approval to commission the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Service under a competitive procurement process. Members acknowledged the importance of this commissioned service and noted that, whilst the levels of need were not necessarily increasing in volume, the level of complexity was and it was therefore more important than ever to provide safe accommodation for those that need it. Councillor Adam Langan, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Carol Gahan, Cabinet Member for Finance and Legal. Members welcomed the report and acknowledged this was a very important part of the Council’s statutory services. They thanked all the staff involved for their tireless work which often went under the radar and received very little publicity due to the nature of the service. For clarity, Councillor Langan pointed out that his portfolio title as set out in the recommendation in the report at section 2 was incorrect and the correct portfolio title is reflected in the decision below at 2) and 3). DECIDED: That 1) the proposal to recommission the Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Service under an open procurement process for five years with two one-year extension options be approved; 2) the Executive Director of Children and Families, in consultation with the Director of Finance and the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People be delegated authority to agree the final contract value for the duration of the contract; and 3) the Executive Director of Children and Families, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, be delegated authority to award the contract and implement any “in contract” changes relating to service provision or financial value that may be required during the contract period. Reason for Decision 1) Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, the Council has a statutory duty to provide to provide accommodation-based support to people harmed by domestic abuse and their children. 2) The current service was commissioned in July 2019 and is delivered by Women's Housing Action Group (WHAG). The contract is due to end 28th July 2026. Having utilised all available extension periods and for the Council to meet its statutory duty, a new service needs to be in place immediately after the current contract expiry. Alternative Options The other option would be to follow a competitive dialogue process under the Procurement Act 2023 to recommission Safe Accommodation Service. This option has been fully appraised and is not recommended as it is considered as a less favourable option for the reasons set out in the report.
Date of Decision: October 15, 2025