Issue - meetings

This Item Was Chaired by Councillor Todd-Jones

Matter for Decision

The City Council funds a Street and Mental Health Outreach Service working primarily with rough sleepers and those at risk of rough sleeping. The contract is commissioned jointly with the County Council and is now due to be re-tendered, having been extended for the maximum permitted period. The new contract would commence on 1^st April 2016.The service is aimed at adults engaged in a street based lifestyle (i.e. those who sleep rough, drink, beg or indulge in a number of other potentially anti-social behaviours) but also provides a mental health outreach service. The service is a vital first point of contact with people arriving onto the streets of Cambridge with no accommodation and has played a significant part in minimising rough sleeping in Cambridge City since 2003.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

     i.        Agreed to commit funds of up to £178,500 (plus annual inflationary uplifts, if applicable) per annum from 1^st April 2016 and to award a contract for four years with an option to extend for a further two years.

    ii.        Agreed to continue to jointly commission the service with the County Council for the contract period outlined above

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Housing Advice Service Manager.

Members expressed their support for the service.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.