URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1526

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Southend-on-Sea City Council currently commissions supported accommodation services for individuals with multiple and complex needs. This includes the Severe & Multiple Disadvantage Service (SMDS) and the Intensive Housing Support Service (IHS), as well as Transitional Supported Housing (TSH) for offenders, ex-offenders and those at risk of offending. The SMDS contract was established on 1st December 2017, and was commissioned to run until 31st March 2024, with the option to extend for up to three (3) years in 12-month blocks, until 31st March 2027. The IHS was commissioned as a variation to the SMDS contract and came into effect from 1st April 2022. The TSH contract commenced on 1st July 2022, with an initial contract term of 2-years to run until 30th June 2024, with the option to extend for an additional 12 months, until 30th June 2025.   In January 2025, a paper was taken to cabinet to request an extension of the SMDS contract, to include both the SMDS and IHS service elements, for a period of 6 months until 30th September 2025.  

Content: Southend-on-Sea City Council currently commissions supported accommodation services for individuals with multiple and complex needs. This includes the Severe & Multiple Disadvantage Service (SMDS) and the Intensive Housing Support Service (IHS), as well as Transitional Supported Housing (TSH) for offenders, ex-offenders and those at risk of offending. The SMDS contract was established on 1st December 2017, and was commissioned to run until 31st March 2024, with the option to extend for up to three (3) years in 12-month blocks, until 31st March 2027. The IHS was commissioned as a variation to the SMDS contract and came into effect from 1st April 2022. The TSH contract commenced on 1st July 2022, with an initial contract term of 2-years to run until 30th June 2024, with the option to extend for an additional 12 months, until 30th June 2025.   In January 2025, a paper was taken to cabinet to request an extension of the SMDS contract, to include both the SMDS and IHS service elements, for a period of 6 months until 30th September 2025.   That the Cabinet Member for Social Care and Healthier Communities:   1.       Approves the direct award of the contract for support for individuals with multiple and complex needs to South Essex Homes (SEH).   2.       Delegates authority to the Executive Director for Adults and Communities to finalise the terms of the contract and enter into the agreement.  

Date of Decision: October 29, 2025