Decision
Analysis
outcome: The Cabinet approved the recommissioning of Bury's Alternative Provision offer, along with other related measures.
summary: The decision involves the short-term extension and recommission of Bury's Alternative Provision for children and young people.
topline: The Cabinet has decided to approve the recommissioning of Bury's Alternative Provision offer, with additional measures for stakeholder engagement and service continuity.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves significant changes in service provision for children and young people, which could impact various stakeholders.
affected_stakeholders: ["children", "young people", "families", "education providers", "Local Authority"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no explicit mentions of political parties in the decision.
URL: https://councildecisions.bury.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4334
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Outcome:
Is Key Decision?: Yes
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: The Deputy Leader and Interim Cabinet Member for Children and Young People presented a report regarding the short-term extension and recommission of Bury’s Alternative Provision for children and young people. In response to Members’ questions, it was noted that the cost of extending the contract did not exceed a pro-rata measurement of the overall contract cost, but did allow additional time and flexibility to plan moving forwards. Decision: Cabinet: 1. Approved the recommissioning of Bury’s Alternative Provision offer, in line with the Alternative Provision Strategy; 2. Approved a structured programme of pre-market and stakeholder engagement including children, young people and families; 3. Approved the short-term extension of existing contractual arrangements to 31st March 2027 via a blanket call-off order to the current providers, to ensure continuity of service; 4. Approved the substantive procurement of a four-year Alternative Provision framework, with the route, two-stage Competitive Flexible Procedure or open tender, to be confirmed by the outputs of pre-market engagement; and 5. Noted that a further Cabinet report will be brought forward outlining the final delivery model, financial implications and contract award recommendations. Reasons for the decision: Cabinet approval of these recommendations will deliver several significant and interrelated benefits, for children and young people, families, education providers, and the Local Authority, as outlined in the report. Alternative options considered and rejected: · Maintain current model – rejected as it does not address gaps, rising costs, or poor outcomes. · Redesign without engagement – rejected owing to a substantial risk of failure due to lack of market insight.
Date of Decision: July 8, 2026