Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Adult Social Care Item 3

29 September 2006

Authority to invite Tenders for Open Access `Shop Front' substance misuse services

Report by the Director of Adult Services

(Summary of CONFIDENTIAL decision)

1

Summary

1.1

The following decisions are sought:

1. That approval be given to the Hampshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) to invite tenders for the provision of two pairs of Open Access Shop Front services, incorporating aftercare support, with one pair to based in the North and North East Hampshire and the other pair to be based in South West Hampshire.

2. That approval be given to extend the existing Open Access Service contracts for a period up to a year, in accordance with the current contracts, up to 31 March 2008.

1.2

This report is not for publication as it contains except information within Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, being information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). Further it is considered that, in all the circumstances, the public interest in maintaining this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing this information. While there may be a public interest in disclosing this information, namely financial transparency in the County Council's affairs, it is felt that on balance this is outweighed by other factors in favour of maintaining the exception, namely the contract is subject to confidential third party financial and other negotiations and to reveal details of those negotiations would adversely affect the County Council's negotiating position relating to this contract.

2

Reason(s)

2.1

Open Access Shop Front services provide accessible, support and information services and short term interventions to engage service users with the treatment system. In addition aftercare services will support the reintegration of clients, leaving the criminal justice system or community drug services, back into the community by providing a programme of ongoing support services and activities around housing, education, training and employment.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

Do Nothing

This was rejected on the basis that the current contracts for four Open Access Shop front services in the North, Northeast and South West of the county expire at the end of March 2007. This would leave service users vulnerable if no replacement arrangements were made. Additionally, the tender is included in the DAAT Treatment Plan 2006/07 which has been agreed by the National Treatment Agency.

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1

None

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

None

6

Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1

Not applicable

Approved by:

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Date of decision:

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Councillor Patricia Banks