Issue - meetings

(i)            That it be agreed to support the joint commissioning of a future rough sleeping outreach service with Stoke on Trent City Council that combines both Councils’ resources and develop a service which meets the needs of both authority areas whilst maximising efficiencies.

(ii)           That the Council’s annual budget contribution to the service be set at

 £20,000, enabling potential service providers to tender for an appropriate service.

(iii)          That the Executive Director (Resources and Support Services) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing be authorised in partnership with Stoke City Council’s procurement function to finalise the specification/service outline, undertake the tendering process, complete any post tender negotiations (if required) and award the contract to the successful contractor.

A report was submitted to Cabinet seeking support for the re-provision and recommissioning of a joint Rough Sleeper’s Outreach Service with Stoke on Trent City Council from April 2020.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing, Councillor Jill Waring stated that the Service had been the main force of keeping the number of rough sleepers  at low levels on the streets of Newcastle.

Members endorsed the report stating that it was an important service to provide.

The Leader added that the Police also fully supported the service which was helping vulnerable members of society.  

Resolved:     (i)         That it be agreed to support the joint commissioning of a

future rough sleeping outreach service with Stoke on Trent City Council that combines both Councils’ resources and develop a service which meets the needs of both authority areas whilst maximising efficiencies.  

(ii)        That the Council’s annual budget contribution to the

service be set at £20,000, enabling potential service

providers to tender for an appropriate service.

(iii)         That the Executive Director (Resources and Support Services) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing be authorised in partnership with Stoke City Council’s procurement function to finalise the specification/service outline, undertake the tendering process, complete any post tender negotiations (if required) and award the contract to the successful contractor.