Decision details

Executive oversight and endorsement of Bracknell Forest Council’s continued membership of the Children’s Residential Care Consortia Framework for a further 3 years in line with the contract conditions.

1          The Council’s continued membership of the of the CRC Consortia Framework be endorsed during the permitted extension period of 3 years (September 2021 – September 2024) with participation in the extension process being led by Southampton City Council.

2          That an annual fee be paid to Southampton City Council of £1,015.94 for each year of the extension, covering the procurement costs and provision for future call-offs made on the Framework by the Council which do not exceed £9,000,000 over the 3 years of the framework extension.

In line with the Children and Social Work Act 2017, the Council must fulfil a number of key principles in how it carries out its duties as a Corporate parent for its population of Looked After Children.  Securing a range of high-quality accommodation for children and young people is critical to ongoing support to children in helping them achieve their independence and ambitions.  Having a mixed market of provision is key to meet the varying needs of children and young people.  Membership of this framework contributes to this.

Not to extend and leave the framework with the Council reverting to spot purchasing all residential placements which is not in line with procurement best practice and would bring in a number of challenges around pricing control and market management.

To join a different residential framework, however, none of the other frameworks identified offer a better geographic fit than the CRC Framework or such strong contract management support.

To block purchase residential provision with a local provider.  This could be an option that could also be considered as a future commissioning option in conjunction with membership of the CRC framework.  However, it is likely that having access to framework providers would still be required to meet demand.

None.