Agenda, decisions and minutes

To note any apologies for absence.

Apologies were noted from Cllr Dom Morris, Cabinet Member for Highways and Flooding.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 12 June 2024 (minutes attached).

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 June 2024 were agreed and confirmed as a correct record of that meeting.

To  declare any pecuniary or personal interests relating to specific matters on the agenda.

Please see information note (1) at the end of the agenda

No declarations of interest were made at the meeting.

Up to 30 minutes is allowed for this item.

Written questions

To answer any written questions from a County Councillor, (or any person living or working in the county, or is affected by the work of the County Council), about any matter which relates to any item on the agenda for this meeting.

The closing date for the receipt of written questions is 4.00 pm on Thursday 18 July 2024.

Please submit any questions to stephen.bace@gloucestershire.gov.uk

A written answer will be provided for each written question received (to be presented to the questioner and to Cabinet (in advance of the meeting). The questions and answers will be taken as read and will not be read out at the meeting. At the discretion of the Leader of Council, each questioner ( in attendance at the meeting) will be allowed to ask one supplementary question (in response to the answer given to the original question).

A copy of all written questions and written answers circulated at the meeting will be attached to the signed copy of the minutes of the meeting.

Urgent questions

An urgent written question may be asked by a member of the public about any item on the Cabinet agenda for that meeting which the Chairperson considers could not have been reasonably submitted by the deadline for the receipt of written questions, provided he or she gives notice of the question to the Chief Executive by 12 noon the day before the meeting.

No questions, (public or member), were submitted for consideration in advance of the meeting.

Cllr Lynden Stowe sought Cabinet approval for delegated authority to conduct a competitive procurement exercise in respect of a contract or (as appropriate) contracts for the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at selected maintained schools in Gloucestershire.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1. Approve  the release of up to £2m from the budget approved at Full Council in February 2024 as part of 2024/25 budget to provide solar PV on selected maintained schools’ premises through the purchase and installation of the solar photovoltaic panels and associated equipment/infrastructure described in Recommendation 2 below;

2. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Asset Management & Property Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, to:

a) Conduct, subject to the financial restrictions set out in the Resourcing Implications section of this report below, a competitive procurement process under the CCS (Crown Commercial Service) RM6313 Demand Management & Renewables dynamic purchasing system (DPS) for such number of contracts as may be deemed necessary for the purpose of purchasing and installing solar photovoltaic panels at all maintained schools in Gloucestershire that have applied for and been selected by the council to receive such panels and associated equipment/infrastructure.

b) Award such contract(s) to the preferred tenderer(s).

5.1 Cllr Lynden Stowe, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, sought Cabinet approval to delegate authority to conduct a competitive procurement exercise in respect of a contract or, (as appropriate), contracts for the purchase and installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at selected maintained schools in Gloucestershire.

5.2 Approval of the decision involved the release of up to £2m from the council’s 2024-25 budget approved by Full Council in February 2024 to provide solar PV on selected maintained schools’ premises for the purchase and installation of the solar photovoltaic panels and associated equipment/infrastructure. The combined aggregate value of the contract to not exceed £2m. The proposed contract(s) for the purchase and installation of the panels will be managed by the council’s Asset Management & Property Services (AMPS) team.

5.3 Cllr Stowe advised of a pilot scheme that was currently in progress, involving six of GCC’s maintained schools, one in each district. The pilot would help establish the costs for the installation and determine any useful lessons to inform the main body of works.

5.4 Approximately 85 out of 100 maintained schools within the county were anticipated to meet the council’s required selection criteria for solar PV installation based upon each school's energy use. Installation of onsite generation in terms of Solar PV was estimated to generate a total average annual savings of £4,360 per school, with an average annual income and savings to be in the region of £348,800. From an economic perspective, solar PV will make energy bills more manageable and predictable, increase spending power and boost the overall local economy and employment market.

5.5 The work will also have the potential to reduce over 500 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year, amounting to 12% of the council’s scope 2 emissions, (indirect emissions generated from purchased energy). Other positive outcomes anticipated from the project included a reduction in greenhouse gases and improvements to air quality and health & wellbeing.

5.6 It was anticipated that most maintained schools in Gloucestershire would benefit from the decision, subject to satisfactory loading, engineering, and structural surveys.

5.7 In proposing the recommendations, Cllr Stowe, believed the project would send out a great message on the council’s approach to climate change.

5.8 Speaking in support of the proposals, Cllr Philip Robinson, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Bus Transport, referred to the ‘educational benefit’ of the decision and agreed to explore the proposed development of an education pack to distribute to the schools involved in the project. Cllr David Gray, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, stated that, as a result of the current financial strength of the council, the project represented another great achievement for Gloucestershire and a tangible contribution to the council’s green agenda.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1.    Approve the release of up to £2m from the budget approved at Full Council in February 2024 as part of 2024/25 budget to provide solar PV on selected maintained schools’ premises through the purchase  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Cllr Dom Morris sought Cabinet approval for delegated authority to: procure highway services and construction phase works, through a competitive tender process, in relation to the B4058 Rushmire Hill Geotechnical Stabilisation Scheme; and make such ancillary orders as are necessary to

successfully implement the scheme.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Highways & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Flood, to:

1. Conduct (subject to the financial restrictions set out in the Resource Implications section of this report below) a competitive procurement process in respect of as many contracts as may be required for the supply of highway services and construction phase works in relation to the B4058 Rushmire Hill Geotechnical Stabilisation Scheme;

2. Award such contract(s) to the preferred tenderer(s); and

3. Make such ancillary traffic regulation orders as may be required in order to successfully implement the Scheme, (such as temporary traffic regulation orders (TTROs) for speed limits etc.) during the construction phase of the Scheme.

6.1 In the absence of Cllr Dom Morris, Cabinet Member for Highways and Flooding, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, sought Cabinet approval to delegate authority for the procurement of highway services and construction phase works through a competitive tender process in relation to the B4058 Rushmire Hill Geotechnical Stabilisation Scheme and to make any ancillary traffic regulation orders that might be necessary to successfully implement the scheme.

6.2 Outlining some of the key points to the decision, Cllr Hawthorne stated that the Geotechnical Remediation Scheme had been introduced in response to the ongoing slope instability located below a section of the B4058 highway north-west of Wotton-Under-Edge, also known as Rushmire Hill. It was explained that the site had developed defects in the surface of the highway since first inspected in September 2016 and had undergone various phases of resurfacing and slope monitoring in the interim.

6.3 The estimated cost of the scheme was estimated to be £2.5 million. Split between investigation and design at £0.6 million and construction at £1.9 million, the construction contract to be procured as one contract and span two financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26.

6.4 The scheme would be funded from the Landslip Capital Programme, with an approved budget of £3.5m available in 2024/25. It was confirmed that the funding would enable the current portfolio of works to commence construction in 2024/25, with anticipated completion in 2025/26.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Highways & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Flood, to:

1.    Conduct (subject to the financial restrictions set out in the Resource Implications section of this report below) a competitive procurement process in respect of as many contracts as may be required for the supply of highway services and construction phase works in relation to the B4058 Rushmire Hill Geotechnical Stabilisation Scheme;

2.    Award such contract(s) to the preferred tenderer(s); and

3.    Make such ancillary traffic regulation orders as may be required in order to successfully implement the Scheme, (such as temporary traffic regulation orders (TTROs) for speed limits etc.) during the construction phase of the Scheme.

Cllr Stephen Davies sought Cabinet’s recommendation that Council approve Gloucestershire’s Youth Justice Plan 2024/25.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Recommend the Youth Justice Plan 2024/25, attached at Appendix 1 to Council for approval.

7.1 Cllr Stephen Davies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years, sought Cabinet agreement to recommend to Council approval of the Gloucestershire’s Youth Justice Plan 2024/25.

7.2 Cllr Davies was pleased to propose this critically important plan, particularly following transition of the Gloucestershire Youth Service back to the local authority. The key focus was now on ensuring the smooth transition and mobilisation of the service for the staff involved in the transfer and to support the children and young people concerned, with minimal or no disruption. The revised ‘in-house’ service would commence on 1 October 2024.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Recommend the Youth Justice Plan 2024/25, attached at Appendix 1 to the report to Council for approval.

Cllr Carole Allaway Martin sought Cabinet approval to conduct a competitive procurement process for a new multi-provider agreement for the supply of residential and nursing care services for individuals with an assessed health or social care need including older people and people with a disability, autism, a mental health condition and/or complex physical health conditions.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to

Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care, Wellbeing and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Commissioning, to:

1. Conduct an appropriate form of competitive procurement process (to be determined by the said Executive Director) under which the council shall procure the following residential and nursing care services for individuals with an assessed health or social care need including older people and people with a disability, autism, a mental health condition and/or complex physical health conditions:

a) older people residential care

b) older people residential care (complex and dementia)

c) older people nursing / Continuing Health Care (CHC)

d) learning disabilities

e) physical disabilities and sensory impairments

f) mental health and autism

g) forensic services

h) short-term placements / respite (all client groups)

The proposed contracting arrangements in respect of such services shall continue for a period of up to 8 years (the start date and duration of such period to be determined by the said Executive Director); and

2. To award, subject to the financial restrictions set out in the Resourcing Implications section of this report below, as many contracts as may be required by the council for the provision of such residential and nursing care services and to exercise any extension options thereunder provided that the aggregate term of such contracting arrangements does not exceed 8 years.

8.1 Cllr Carole Allaway-Martin, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Commissioning, sought Cabinet approval to conduct a competitive procurement process for a new multi-provider agreement for the supply of residential and nursing care services for individuals with an assessed health or social care need, including older people and people with a disability, autism, a mental health condition and/or complex physical health condition.

8.2 It was explained that the current residential and nursing contract, known as the Pre-Placement Contract (PPC), was around 20 years old and did not include the necessary provision to respond to the significant legislative changes introduced during this time. A number of elements within the contract, including the equipment schedule and service specifications, were now out of date and the contractual escalation process to address any service delivery and quality concerns was no longer sufficiently robust.

8.3 The new contracting arrangements relate to residential and nursing care services not commissioned with the council’s block provider. The contract will align with other adult social care contracts and policies to ensure a consistent approach for providers and reflect the integrated funding and delivery of health and adult social care services in Gloucestershire.

8.4 There will be no financial impact on the current level of spending on residential and nursing care services and the proposed new contracting arrangements will set out a clear pricing structure for each of the service categories. The commissioning of residential and nursing care will continue to operate within the relevant adult social care budgetary framework.

8.5 Based on the annual gross spend for residential and nursing care services in the financial year 2023-4, the estimated value for the proposed new contracting arrangements over an 8-year term will be £816,000,000.

8.6 A summary of the proposed main contract terms was set out in the appendix to the cabinet report.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to

Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care, Wellbeing and Communities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Commissioning, to:

1.    Conduct an appropriate form of competitive procurement process (to be determined by the said Executive Director) under which the council shall procure the following residential and nursing care services for individuals with an assessed health or social care need including older people and people with a disability, autism, a mental health condition and/or complex physical health condition:

a)    older people residential care

b)    older people residential care (complex and dementia)

c)    older people nursing / Continuing Health Care (CHC)

d)    learning disabilities

e)    physical disabilities and sensory impairments

f)      mental health and autism

g)    forensic services

h)    short-term placements / respite (all client groups)

          The proposed contracting arrangements in respect of such services          shall continue for a period of up to 8 years (the start date and duration          of such period to be determined by the said Executive Director); and

2.    Award, subject to the financial restrictions set out in the Resourcing Implications section of this report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

Cllr Stephen Davies sought Cabinet approval for delegated authority to procure Local Welfare Support Services and Emergency Welfare Support Services.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years to:

1. Conduct an appropriate form of competitive procurement process (to be determined by the said Executive Director) under which Gloucestershire County Council shall procure Local Welfare Support Services and Emergency Welfare Support Services that will provide support and/or assistance to vulnerable adults and families in Gloucestershire by means of predominantly non-cash awards such as household items, clothing, recycled goods, food vouchers and fuel vouchers; The proposed contracting arrangements shall continue for a period of up to 5 years.

2. To award, subject to the financial restrictions set out in the Resourcing Implications section of this report below, as many contracts as may be required by the Council for the provision of Local Welfare Support Services and Emergency Welfare Support Services.

9.1 Cllr Stephen Davies sought Cabinet approval to delegate authority for the procurement of Local Welfare Support Services and Emergency Welfare Support Services.

9.2 The recommendation to re-procure both services was in response to the cessation of the current Gloucestershire Local Welfare Support Scheme Contract and Emergency Welfare Framework on 19 October 2024. No further extension options existed under the current contract. The preferred option of offering support going forwards was to retain the existing mix of support available to service users of both e-vouchers and physical goods and services.

9.3 Continuing to provide essential support to the most vulnerable families through the Local Welfare Support Scheme is critical to prevent families spiralling into longer term crisis, especially at a time when other welfare support grants such as the Household Support Fund is likely to reduce or end.

9.4 The contract award of Local Welfare Services is not expected to exceed £2.6m over a 5-year period.

9.5 The current cost of providing Emergency Welfare Services is approximately £4.6m per annum, funded through the Household Support Fund Grant awarded at £7.2m per annum. The continuity of funding beyond September 2024 is yet to be confirmed by the Department of Work and Pensions. It was noted that the Emergency Welfare Scheme would only be used should additional funding be made available, (either from grant funding or Gloucestershire County Council resources). Any contracts awarded in relation to Emergency Welfare services were not expected to exceed £23m over a 5-year period.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years to:

1.    Conduct an appropriate form of competitive procurement process (to be determined by the said Executive Director) under which Gloucestershire County Council shall procure Local Welfare Support Services and Emergency Welfare Support Services that will provide support and/or assistance to vulnerable adults and families in Gloucestershire by means of predominantly non-cash awards such as household items, clothing, recycled goods, food vouchers and fuel vouchers; The proposed contracting arrangements shall continue for a period of up to 5 years.

2.    Award, subject to the financial restrictions set out in the Resourcing Implications section of this report below, as many contracts as may be required by the Council for the provision of Local Welfare Support Services and Emergency Welfare Support Services.

Cllr Stephen Davies sought Cabinet approval to develop and then procure a multi-supplier Gloucestershire Open Supported Accommodation Framework Agreement that will better serve the needs of children in care and care leavers aged 16+ in Gloucestershire; and implement spot purchasing arrangements in accordance with Council spot-purchasing standards for new supported accommodation placements in the interim whilst the proposed new Framework Agreement is in development.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Agree point 1 and 3 and delegate authority for point 2 to the Executive Director for Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years, to:

1.    Develop and then procure a multi-supplier Open Framework Agreement for the provision of Supported Accommodation for children in care and care leavers aged 16+ in Gloucestershire (the “Supported Accommodation Framework Agreement”). Such framework agreement shall continue for a period of up to 5 years.

2.    Procure and then award, subject to the financial restrictions set out in the Resourcing Implications section of this report below, as many call-off contracts under the above- mentioned Supported Accommodation Framework Agreement as may be required by the council for the provision of supported accommodation placements for children in care and care leavers aged 16+ for the duration described in their statutory care and permanence plans.

3.    To implement spot purchasing arrangements as an interim measure for new supported accommodation placements between the 1st August 2024 and 31st March 2025 whilst the proposed Supported Accommodation Framework Agreement is awarded.

10.1 Cllr Stephen Davies, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years, sought Cabinet approval to develop and procure a multi-supplier Gloucestershire Open Supported Accommodation Framework Agreement to better serve the needs of children in care and care leavers aged 16 years plus in Gloucestershire. In addition, the decision sought to implement spot purchasing arrangements in accordance with the Council’s spot-purchasing standards for new supported accommodation placements whilst the proposed new Framework Agreement is in development.

10.2 The Supported Accommodation Framework Agreement will enable the Council to achieve best value in the provision of services by intervening and actively shaping the local market and enabling the commissioning of sufficient, good quality placements aligned to the assessed needs of young people.

10.3 Over the proposed 5-year period, the open framework is anticipated to reduce current spending in this sector and to better deliver the ambitions of the Gloucestershire Sufficiency Strategy.   

10.4 The interim spot purchase arrangement will bridge the gap between implementation of the draft spot purchase contract for new supported accommodation placements in August 2024 and the planned implementation of the new framework from 1 April 2025.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Agree recommendations 1 and 3 and to delegate authority of recommendation 2 to the Executive Director for Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years, to:

1.    Develop and then procure a multi-supplier Open Framework Agreement for the provision of Supported Accommodation for children in care and care leavers aged 16+ in Gloucestershire (the “Supported Accommodation Framework Agreement”). Such framework agreement shall continue for a period of up to 5 years.

2.    Procure and then award, subject to the financial restrictions set out in the Resourcing Implications section of this report below, as many call-off contracts under the above- mentioned Supported Accommodation Framework Agreement as may be required by the council for the provision of supported accommodation placements for children in care and care leavers aged 16+ for the duration described in their statutory care and permanence plans.

3.    To implement spot purchasing arrangements as an interim measure for new supported accommodation placements between 1August 2024 and 31March 2025 whilst the proposed Supported Accommodation Framework Agreement is awarded.

Cllr Stephan Fifield sought Cabinet approval to approve the recommissioning of the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) by way of a single provider framework agreement for the period 1 July 2025 – 30 June 2029 and to delegate decision making on initial call-offs and future calloffs under the key decision threshold.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery to:

1. Conduct a competitive procurement process in respect of a four-year single provider Framework Agreement for the supply of Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS). The Framework Agreement shall be divided into the following Lots:

(a) Lot A: Core Support to Victims

(b) Lot B: Support in Safe Accommodation

(c) Lot C: Support in the Health System

(d) Lot D: Support in the Courts and the Criminal Justice

System

(e) Lot E: Training, Awareness Raising and Engagement

2. Appoint the preferred tenderer to this single provider Framework Agreement.

3. Award a Call-Off Contract for the supply of Core Support to Victims of Domestic Abuse under Lot A of this single provider Framework Agreement to the sole appointed supplier. The proposed Call-Off Contract will continue for an initial period of four years and include an option to extend its term for a further period of one year on its fourth anniversary and an additional period of one year on its fifth anniversary (i.e., four + one + one years).

4. Determine whether to exercise the two options to extend the call-off contract described in Recommendation 3.

5. Award, subject to the financial limit set out in the Resource Implications section of this Report below, as many Call-Off Contracts as may be required by the council under Lots A to E of the Framework Agreement and to exercise any extension options.In the event that the value of any individual proposed call-off contract exceeds £500,000, a separate Cabinet decision shall be sought in order to authorise this.

11.1 Cllr Stephan Fifield, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery, sought Cabinet approval to approve the recommissioning of the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) by way of a single provider framework agreement for the period 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2029 and to delegate decision making on initial call-offs and future call offs under the key decision threshold.

11.2 The Council’s Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service provides support to the victims and survivors of domestic abuse across the county.

The service supports delivery of the priorities included in the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Strategy (2021-24, which is due to be refreshed to direct further priorities, including ongoing support to victims and enable the council to fulfil its statutory duties under part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

11.3 The contract for GDASS is due to end 30 June 2025. 

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery to:

1.    Conduct a competitive procurement process in respect of a four-year single provider Framework Agreement for the supply of Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS). The Framework Agreement shall be divided into the following Lots:

(a) Lot A: Core Support to Victims

(b) Lot B: Support in Safe Accommodation

(c) Lot C: Support in the Health System

(d) Lot D: Support in the Courts and the Criminal Justice

System

(e) Lot E: Training, Awareness Raising and Engagement

2.    Appoint the preferred tenderer to this single provider Framework Agreement.

3.    Award a Call-Off Contract for the supply of Core Support to Victims of Domestic Abuse under Lot A of this single provider Framework Agreement to the sole appointed supplier. The proposed Call-Off Contract will continue for an initial period of four years and include an option to extend its term for a further period of one year on its fourth anniversary and an additional period of one year on its fifth anniversary (i.e., four + one + one years).

4.    Determine whether to exercise the two options to extend the call-off contract described in Recommendation 3.

5.    Award, subject to the financial limit set out in the Resource Implications section of this Report below, as many Call-Off Contracts as may be required by the council under Lots A to E of the Framework Agreement and to exercise any extension options. In the event that the value of any individual proposed call-off contract exceeds £500,000, a separate Cabinet decision shall be sought in order to authorise this.

Cllr Stephan Fifield sought Cabinet approval to allocate the remaining unallocated Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Domestic Abuse section 31 grant funding for 2021/22 – 2024/25 of £1.286m (the “Domestic Abuse Grant”) for the purpose of enabling the council to meet its statutory duties under part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1. Approve the allocation of up to £1,274,500 from the council’s Domestic Abuse Grant for the delivery of support in domestic abuse safe accommodation and to contribute towards the associated administrative burdens in meeting the council’s duties under part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Recommendations 2-7 below set out the use of this funding.

2. Approve the allocation of £366,000 (£122,000 per annum) from the Domestic Abuse Grant for the purpose of funding the cost of the contract described in Recommendation 3.

3. Approve the direct award of a three year contract (commencing 1 April 2025) to Stroud Beresford Group for the provision of support for adult and child victims of domestic abuse in refuge accommodation using the resources described in Recommendation 2.

4. Delegates authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery to:

(a) allocate £336,000 from the Domestic Abuse Grant for the purpose of funding the call-off contract described in Recommendation 4(b); and (b) award a Call-Off Contract for the supply of Support in Safe Accommodation to the sole appointed supplier under Lot B of the council’s proposed Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) Single Provider Framework Agreement (which shall be the subject of a separate Cabinet Decision also schedule for 24 July 2024) using the resources described in Recommendation 4(a). The proposed Call-Off Contract shall continue for a period of one year.

5. Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery to allocate a maximum of £342,500 on the basis set out in Recommendations 5 (a) to (c) via Gloucester City Council (as the host local authority for the Housing Partnership Team which acts on behalf of the District and County Councils, the Gloucestershire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and the Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB)) to be used at district level for funding the following activities:

(a) £190,000 for the purpose of funding the provision of domestic abuse support in a pilot Respite Rooms scheme over a maximum period of three years (see paragraphs 18-19 of this report for background details of the proposed scheme). The amount proposed is indicative at this stage as it will be determined by the Director of Public Health based on the agreed delivery model and length of the proposed Respite Rooms pilot scheme.

(b) £125,000 for the purpose of providing funding, during a two year period commencing from the date of transfer of such funding to contribute towards the administration costs incurred by whichever  ...  view the full decision text for item 12.

12.1 Cllr Stephan Fifield, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery, sought Cabinet approval to allocate the remaining unallocated Department for Levelling Up Housing and Communities (DLUHC) Domestic Abuse Section 31 Grant funding for 2021/22 – 2024/25 of £1.286m (the “Domestic Abuse Grant”) for the purpose of enabling the council to meet its statutory duties under part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

12.2 In presenting the report, Cllr Fifield stated that it made sense to allocate the funding, which would otherwise would not be used.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1.    Approve the allocation of up to £1,274,500 from the council’s Domestic Abuse Grant for the delivery of support in domestic abuse safe accommodation and to contribute towards the associated administrative burdens in meeting the council’s duties under part 4 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Recommendations 2-7 below set out the use of this funding.

2.    Approve the allocation of £366,000 (£122,000 per annum) from the Domestic Abuse Grant for the purpose of funding the cost of the contract described in Recommendation 3.

3.    Approve the direct award of a three-year contract (commencing 1 April 2025) to Stroud Beresford Group for the provision of support for adult and child victims of domestic abuse in refuge accommodation using the resources described in Recommendation 2.

4.    Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery to:

a.    allocate £336,000 from the Domestic Abuse Grant for the purpose of funding the call-off contract described in Recommendation 4(b); and

b.    award a Call-Off Contract for the supply of Support in Safe Accommodation to the sole appointed supplier under Lot B of the council’s proposed Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) Single Provider Framework Agreement (which shall be the subject of a separate Cabinet Decision also schedule for 24 July 2024) using the resources described in Recommendation 4(a). The proposed Call-Off Contract shall continue for a period of one year.

5.    Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Delivery to allocate a maximum of £342,500 on the basis set out in Recommendations 5 (a) to (c) via Gloucester City Council (as the host local authority for the Housing Partnership Team which acts on behalf of the District and County Councils, the Gloucestershire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and the Gloucestershire Integrated Care Board (ICB)) to be used at district level for funding the following activities:

a.    £190,000 for the purpose of funding the provision of domestic abuse support in a pilot Respite Rooms scheme over a maximum period of three years (see paragraphs 18-19 of this report for background details of the proposed scheme). The amount proposed is indicative at this stage as it will be determined by the Director of Public Health based on the agreed delivery model and length of the proposed Respite Rooms pilot scheme.

b.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.