Decision
Analysis
outcome: The modification to the contract value and extension of the contract to 31 March 2028 were approved.
summary: The decision involves modifying a contract for the 0-5 Years Health Visiting Service to reflect NHS pay awards and extending the contract to ensure continuity of service.
topline: The Lead Member has decided to approve the modification of the 0-5 Years Health Visiting Service contract and extend it to 31 March 2028.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves public health services and potential disruptions to service delivery for children and families.
affected_stakeholders: ["Children", "Families", "Workforce"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.eastsussex.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2847
Decision Maker:
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: Yes
Purpose:
Content: 10.1 The Lead Member considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services. DECISIONS 10.2 The Lead Member RESOLVED to agree the modification to the contract value for the 0-5 Years Health Visiting Service contract (Healthy Child Programme) from £15,358,626 to £16,648,538 and the extension of the contract to 31 March 2028. REASONS 10.3 The proposed contract modification reflects the nationally agreed NHS Agenda for Change pay awards and is funded through the Public Health Grant. Approval of the modification will ensure that the contract value accurately reflects the costs of service delivery and supports the continued provision of the Healthy Child Programme for East Sussex children and families. 10.4 If the contract were not modified, the level of service available for families would need to reduce to cover the additional costs and the council would be at high risk of not meeting national key performance indicators. 10.5 The one-year extension to 31 March 2028 is explicitly provided for within the contract and represents the most appropriate option available to the Council. Exercising the extension will ensure continuity of an essential statutory public health service while allowing sufficient time to undertake a full review of the service specification, commissioning intentions, and contractual arrangements for the next procurement process with a new contract commencing from 1 April 2028. The extension will also provide stability for children, families and the workforce, avoiding unnecessary disruption to service delivery during a period of service review and planning. 10.6 Without the extension, the Council would need to consider alternative commissioning arrangements for the contract to start from 1 April 2027. This would require a new procurement or provider selection process to be undertaken at pace. This would create a significant risk of service disruption, increased administrative and procurement costs, reduced organisational stability, and potential challenges in maintaining continuity of care for children and families. There would also be a risk that the Council may be unable to complete the required review and future commissioning arrangements within the available timescales, which could adversely affect the delivery of statutory Healthy Child Programme requirements.
Date of Decision: August 13, 2026