URL: https://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=8220

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

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: cThe purpose of this report is to seek permission, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 9.1.8, to award a contract to reserve ten nursing care placements for Knowsley Local Authority, to facilitate the timely and safe discharge of Knowsley residents from hospital.   This direct award is justified as the requirements of Contract Procedure Rule 9.1.8 are met as follows:   9.1.8   No suitable tenders/Switching to a direct award – A contract may be awarded directly to a supplier if the authority has invited suppliers to submit tenders as part of, or requests to participate in, a competitive tendering procedure in respect of the contract and it has not received suitable tenders or requests in response and it considers the award under a competitive tendering procedure is not possible.   

Content: cThe purpose of this report is to seek permission, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 9.1.8, to award a contract to reserve ten nursing care placements for Knowsley Local Authority, to facilitate the timely and safe discharge of Knowsley residents from hospital.   This direct award is justified as the requirements of Contract Procedure Rule 9.1.8 are met as follows:   9.1.8   No suitable tenders/Switching to a direct award – A contract may be awarded directly to a supplier if the authority has invited suppliers to submit tenders as part of, or requests to participate in, a competitive tendering procedure in respect of the contract and it has not received suitable tenders or requests in response and it considers the award under a competitive tendering procedure is not possible.      By Executive Director (Resources and Partnerships): (i)       That permission be granted for a contract to be awarded directly, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 9.1.8, to reserve nursing care placements to support rapid discharge from hospital within Knowsley.   By Executive Director (Health and Adult Social Care):   (ii)       That a contract be awarded without competition to St Helens and Knowsley Caring Association to reserve ten nursing care placements for Knowsley Local Authority, to facilitate safe rapid discharge of Knowsley residents from hospital for the period 25 June 2026 to 24 June 2029.   (iii)      That the Procurement Team be authorised to make the necessary arrangements for the issue of the relevant contract documentation.   Do Nothing: This option was considered and rejected because the Council has a statutory duty to ensure a diverse, sustainable high quality adult social care market, which includes ensuring sufficient supply of care home provision locally. There is lack of capacity for general nursing placements in Knowsley and this is adversely impacting those Knowsley residents in hospital who have been identified as either requiring a fast-track admission into a nursing placement or for residents identified as being medically optimised as they may not be able to find a nursing placement in borough.   Seek Competition (Quotation / Tender): On this occasion a successful competitive exercise was not considered feasible. The Whole Life Commissioning Team manages the local market position, engages with providers and are aware of the current availability in the market. A soft market test undertaken in April 2026 demonstrated that there has been no interest from any organisations other than the proposed provider who are able to provide this service presently.  

Date of Decision: June 16, 2026