Agenda item

1.

Title of Item/Report

Procurement of Temporary and Supported Accommodation Contracts

2.

Record of the Decision

Consideration was given to a report on the Procurement of temporary and supported accommodation contracts.

The report sought approval to commence a procurement exercise to ensure that the Council had access to appropriate temporary emergency and supported accommodation for adults (singles, couples and families), children in Council care (over 16 years of age), care leavers and 16 and 17 year olds who were homeless or at risk of homelessness.

As members were aware, significant cross cutting work was ongoing at the present time to improve access to affordable housing, particularly to increase the availability of 1-bed properties.  In addition (and as detailed within the body of the report) work was ongoing to proactively prevent children entering care and to support the reunification of children with their birth families.

These key strands of work would have a positive impact on the demand for temporary and supported accommodation including reducing overall expenditure; however, they would take some time to deliver measurable outcomes.  In the interim, it was essential that appropriate temporary and supported accommodation provision was maintained to meet the needs of adults (including singles, couples and families), children in Council care aged 16 and over, care leavers and 16–17-year-olds experiencing homeless.  It was therefore proposed to proceed with the procurement approach outlined paragraphs 12 to 15 and 31 to 35 of the report.

RESOLVED that:-

1. The proposal be approved (as detailed in paragraph 12 to 15 of the report) to move forward with the procurement of new contracts for both Temporary and Supported Accommodation for adults (including singles, couples and families).

2. The proposal be approved (as detailed in paragraph 31 to 35 of the report) to move forward with the procurement of new contracts for Supported Accommodation for 16-year-old and over Children in Our Care, Care Leavers and 16 and 17 year-olds who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

3. Authority be given to the relevant Director or Assistant Director to make the specific contract award decision and any subsequent contract variation, annual inflationary uplifts (where allowed in the contract terms and conditions) and extension decision.

3.

Reasons for the Decision

The provision of temporary accommodation is essential for the Council to meet its statutory duties to those experiencing homelessness, ensuring that interim accommodation is available while individual secure a permanent home.  This differs from supported accommodation, which is designed to support individuals who are not yet ready for independent living.  Supported accommodation provides targeted support to help individuals develop the necessary skills, resilience and confidence required to sustain a tenancy and transition successfully into independent living.  The provision of both temporary and supported accommodation directly contributes to the ambitions set out in the Stockton-on-Tees Plan, particularly in delivery the Best Start in Life and Healthy and Resilient Communities priorities.

4.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

None

5.

Declared (Cabinet Member) Conflicts of Interest

None

6.

Details of any Dispensations

None

7.

Date and Time by which Call In must be executed

Midnight, 26 June 2026