URL: https://democracy.dacorum.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2626

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder for Place

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The Voluntary and Community Commissioning (VCS) Framework is the Council’s strategic approach that sets out the priorities for a range of leisure and community services, which are delivered by voluntary and third sector organisations on behalf of Dacorum Borough Council (DBC).   DBC are currently in year 3 of a 3-year funding term (2024-2027) of the VCS Framework and year 2 of a 2-year agreement for the Shopmobility service Service Level Agreements (SLA).   The proposal is to extend the SLAs by 2 years to 31 March 2029.  

Content: The Voluntary and Community Commissioning (VCS) Framework is the Council’s strategic approach that sets out the priorities for a range of leisure and community services, which are delivered by voluntary and third sector organisations on behalf of Dacorum Borough Council (DBC).   DBC are currently in year 3 of a 3-year funding term (2024-2027) of the VCS Framework and year 2 of a 2-year agreement for the Shopmobility service Service Level Agreements (SLA).   The proposal is to extend the SLAs by 2 years to 31 March 2029.   The Voluntary and Community Commissioning (VCS) Framework is the Council’s strategic approach that sets out the priorities for a range of leisure and community services, which are delivered by voluntary and third sector organisations on behalf of Dacorum Borough Council (DBC).   On the 12th December 2023 Cabinet approved the new approach to direct award grants funding the voluntary and community sector. Each of the commissioned organisations detailed in Table 1 have a bespoke service level agreement (SLA) with specific agreed outcome measures which are measured and monitored via set of management information indicators.   The 2023 Cabinet report recommended that the direct grants to made for an initial period of 3 years (Yr 1 - 2024-2025, Yr 2 - 2025-2026, Yr 3 - 2026 – 2027) with an option to extend for 2 years (Yr 4 - 2027-2028, Yr 5 - 2028 – 2029). The VCS extension option was subject to a review of performance of the commissioned organisations and delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Place.   Decision made and reasons:   The Portfolio Holder for Place has delegated authority to award a direct grant for the 2-year extension for the VCS and Shopmobility service as detailed in the 12th December 2023 and 28th January 2025 Cabinet report recommendations respectively.   The decision is to extend of all the VCS and Shopmobility service SLAs by 2 years until 31st March 2029, in line with the two Cabinet decisions. By recommending the extension period this will provide a level of funding certainty to the commissioned organisation in the lead up to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Hertfordshire and the creating of the new unitary Council, meaning no disruption to the essential services provided during this time of change.    All of the commissioned organisations (including the Shopmobility service) have confirmed that they are happy to continue the same terms and conditions as detailed in the individual SLAs for the 2-year extension period 2027-2029.  

Date of Decision: May 22, 2026