Decision details

The Executive Member (Early Intervention) presented the report of the Director of Policy and Governance that provided the Cabinet with the findings of a review of the current commissioning process which was implemented in 2014/15. It also provided recommendations to improve the process for allocation to be implemented from the 2017/18 financial year.

The report provided members with a summary review of the current commissioning process, how funding is allocated and what had been achieved. It was proposed to continue with the commissioning process with a number of improvements. A review has been undertaken to ensure that the commissioning model continues to achieve best use of resources and maximum impact for our communities, when the current contract ended in March 2017.

Decision:

1.    Approval to continue the process of allocating third sector support through a commissioned service model.

2.    Approval to commission the services based on the distribution of funding outlined in the report.

3.    Delegated authority granted to the Executive Member (Early Intervention) to approve the preferred provider for each service following a commissioning process.

Reason for recommendation(s)

The recommendations are proposed to reflect the council’s commitment to supporting third sector groups and development. The approach will maximise the impact of the commissioning budget to ensure that funding continues to be allocated to where needs are greatest and ensure that local service provision complements council priorities.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Not to provide support for the third sector given the current financial climate, however this option has been rejected on the basis that it would reduce the council’s ability to direct funding to the areas where needs are greatest and to ensure a sustainable third sector to complement council provision.