Decision details

Purpose of Report: To request the extension and variation of the contract with Hexagon Care, (valued at 650k) in order to change its purpose to deliver services to fewer, older young people with more complex needs and to create the conditions and provisions for the future needs of our looked after children. This is to support placement sufficiency and gain better value for money. A waiver is therefore sought to provide these specialist services.

The Executive are asked to review and approve the request.

It has not been possible to give 28 clear days’ notice of the intention to make the Key Decision.  This is due to the impact of Covid 19 on property availability and the response from the local community to properties being used in their areas for children’s homes. Close monitoring of the property market has been essential at this time and it now proves timely to seek to extend the existing contract with Hexagon Care Services who deliver a children’s home on our behalf, for a further 12 months (with the option of a further 12 months depending on the long term impact of Covid and property availability in the City). 

Resolved:  (i)      That approval be given to extend and vary the contract with Hexagon Care Services to facilitate a three-bed residential care provision for children with particularly complex needs.

                   (ii)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of People (in consultation with the Director of Governance or her delegated officers) to take such steps as are necessary to enter into the resulting agreement.

Reason:     This provision is required to support sufficiency of places for vulnerable young people in the council’s care.  Providing care for vulnerable children in the city rather than elsewhere results in better outcomes for children and more efficient use of council resources.