URL: https://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=8199

Decision Maker: Executive Director Resources & Partnerships (Stephan Van Arendsen) & Executive Director Health and Social Care (Jenny Rollinson)

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The purpose of the report is to seek approval in accordance with Public Contract Regulations 2015, Regulation72(1)(e) to modify the contract with N-Compass for the unpaid carer service to allow N-Compass to pilot unconventional respite opportunities for unpaid adult carers.      This modification is justified as the requirements of Public Contract Regulations 2015, Regulation 72(1)(e) are met in that the modification is not considered to be substantial within the meaning of Regulation 72(8) as follows:   •                It does not render the contract materially different from the one initially concluded; •                It does not introduce conditions which, had they been part of the initial procurement procedure would have allowed for the admission of other bidders, the acceptance of another tender other than the one originally accepted or attracted additional participants in the original procedure; •                It does not change the economic balance of the contract in favour of the contractor;  •                It does not extend the scope of the contract considerably; and •                It does not involve a new contractor replace the original recipient of the contract award.  

Content: The purpose of the report is to seek approval in accordance with Public Contract Regulations 2015, Regulation72(1)(e) to modify the contract with N-Compass for the unpaid carer service to allow N-Compass to pilot unconventional respite opportunities for unpaid adult carers.      This modification is justified as the requirements of Public Contract Regulations 2015, Regulation 72(1)(e) are met in that the modification is not considered to be substantial within the meaning of Regulation 72(8) as follows:   •                It does not render the contract materially different from the one initially concluded; •                It does not introduce conditions which, had they been part of the initial procurement procedure would have allowed for the admission of other bidders, the acceptance of another tender other than the one originally accepted or attracted additional participants in the original procedure; •                It does not change the economic balance of the contract in favour of the contractor;  •                It does not extend the scope of the contract considerably; and •                It does not involve a new contractor replace the original recipient of the contract award.   (i)             That, in accordance with Public Contract Regulations 2015, Regulation 72(1)(e), the contract with N-Compass for the unpaid carer service be modified by amending the pricing and scope from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 to allow NCompass to pilot unconventional respite opportunities for unpaid adult carers; and    (ii)            That the Procurement Team be authorised to issue the relevant contract modification documentation.   Do Nothing: This option was considered and rejected due to the high demand for respite services within the Borough and the need to ensure all Accelerated Reform Funding was spent by the Council before April 2026.    Seek Competition (Quotation / Tender):  This option was considered and rejected due to the current unpaid carer provider being in a good position to facilitate the use of this funding and provide a multitude of options for carers and the clause in the funding stating that funds must committed and spent by the Council by 31 March 2026, but can continue to be used by the provider until March 2027, it is not possible to undertake a fully compliant tender exercise at this time.   Deliver in house:  This option was considered and rejected due to the service needing expertise, skills and resources to deliver a Care Quality Commission compliant service, which could not be undertaken within Council’s existing resources.  

Date of Decision: May 15, 2026