URL: https://moderngov.lambeth.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=10204

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Safer Communities

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The current contracts for Lambeth’s commissioned safe accommodation services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse end on 31 March 2026. Increased funding has now been identified by the Greater London Authority (GLA) in recognition of the risk to the wider London offer should Lambeth’s commissioned services end, and this has been confirmed until March 2027. We have a Manifesto commitment to retain 52 bedspaces in the borough, and this paper outlines a proposal that would ensure that we meet this commitment and maintain this vital provision. It is therefore proposed to vary the contracts for one year from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 to align with the grant funding period and at an increased cost fully met by the uplifted grant, with new negotiated terms and conditions to maximise funding.  

Content: The current contracts for Lambeth’s commissioned safe accommodation services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse end on 31 March 2026. Increased funding has now been identified by the Greater London Authority (GLA) in recognition of the risk to the wider London offer should Lambeth’s commissioned services end, and this has been confirmed until March 2027. We have a Manifesto commitment to retain 52 bedspaces in the borough, and this paper outlines a proposal that would ensure that we meet this commitment and maintain this vital provision. It is therefore proposed to vary the contracts for one year from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 to align with the grant funding period and at an increased cost fully met by the uplifted grant, with new negotiated terms and conditions to maximise funding.   1.            To approve the variation of the contract with Refuge as per para 4.3 of the legal comments, for the provision of domestic abuse safe accommodation for the sum of £97,192 for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, with an aggregate contract sum including this extension of £800,669.35.     2.            To approve the variation of the contract with Solace Women’s Aid as per para 4.3 of the legal comments, for the provision of domestic abuse safe accommodation for the sum of £276,430 for the period 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, with an aggregate contract sum including this extension of £2,089,174.33.    

Date of Decision: April 2, 2026