URL: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6291

Decision Maker: Assistant Director: Housing

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: The Assistant Director – Housing Services has approved the award of a contract for emergency accommodation for homeless people aged 18 to 24 years to Birkenhead Forum Housing Association (Company Registration Number  IP19269R) for a two-year contract commencing on 1st June 2026 with the option  to extend for a further two 12 month periods at a total cost of £458,421 based on a 4-year term.   This contract supports the Council in its duty to assess and accommodate if there is reason to believe an individual is homeless, eligible for assistance and in priority need. Those in priority need include, those leaving care and any young person with significant health issues that means they are vulnerable.   Supported Homeless Accommodation Services assists people to develop the skills they need to live independently and forms a crucial pathway for people, preventing homelessness and promoting independence. Such services significantly reduce levels of repeat homelessness and tenancy failure, thereby generating financial savings across several budget streams.   The commissioning of an emergency accommodation scheme for young people directly supports the objectives of the Council’s Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy 2025–2030 by providing safe, stable accommodation combined with targeted support for some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents. The service contributes to the Council’s ambition to prevent homelessness, reduce rough sleeping, and support people to move away from crisis and towards sustained independence.   This procurement exercise was conducted in accordance with the Authority’s Contract Standing Orders for below?threshold contracts and the principles of transparency, proportionality, equal treatment, and value for money.   A below?threshold Light Touch Process was adopted, which is permitted under the Contract Standing Orders where the nature of the services and contract value allow flexibility in approach while maintaining appropriate competition. Five suitably qualified providers were invited to tender, satisfying the requirement to seek competition wherever practicable.   At tender close, one compliant tender was received. The tender was fully evaluated against the published criteria and assessed as offering value for money. The evaluation confirmed that the bidder meets the Authority’s requirements and has the capacity and capability to deliver the services.   Appendix 1 sets out the details of the tenders received. The information in Appendix 1 is commercially sensitive and is restricted by virtue of Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as it is ‘Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding the information). Do nothing: Discounted as the Council has a duty to assess and accommodate if there is reason to believe an individual is homeless under Housing Law.   The decision has been taken under Part 3 Section C - Overview and Scheme of Delegations of Authority to Officers as the decision is not reserved to a Committee or Sub-Committee and the Assistant Director is satisfied that paragraphs 2(a) to 2(c) apply.   Background Papers   Wirral Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy 2020-2025  

Date of Decision: May 18, 2026