Issue details

The report seeks permission from Cabinet to go to the market to commission a range of services to provide supported accommodation and lodgings for Northumberland
care leavers and young homeless which will assist the Council in meeting its statutory duties.
The Council has a responsibility to provide support and accommodation to:
? Looked After young people and Care leavers under the Children Act 1989;
? Young people presenting as homeless and needing accommodation in line with
the Statutory guidance - Provision of accommodation for 16- and 17-year-olds
who may be homeless and/or require accommodation
? Separated children (formally known as unaccompanied asylum-seeking
children);
? Young people who require support after the age of 18 in line with the Staying
Put agenda.
? Other young people aged 16 and above who are beyond school leaving age who may require provision under this service as and when they meet varying Local Authority thresholds.
The intention is to create a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) which will allow the Council to contract with a range of pre-qualified suppliers, supporting access to a range of placements across the County for eligible young people. Unlike a framework arrangement, a DPS allows suppliers to join at pre-agreed points of time, encouraging competition and making it easier for local suppliers to access the arrangement. This will support the Council in meeting its duties during a time of change; Ofsted regulation for this sector is due to introduced in late 2023 and is expected to cause some disruption within the marketplace as providers determine whether they are willing and able to meet the new guidelines. A DPS will create a more flexible solution providing the Council with improved access to suppliers in order to meet need.