Procurement guidance
In April 2007, the Scottish Executive issued a procurement factsheet on why and how local authorities should purchase housing support services from external providers.
Several lead officers had questioned the Supporting People guidance which states that local authorities should issue full contracts to providers on completion of service reviews. Although it is acknowledged that providers currently supply services without service specifications or full contracts, some lead officers were concerned that moving to contract without going through competitive tendering would be in breach of procurement regulations.
The Scottish Executive's view, expressed in the factsheet, is that if service reviews show the service is suitable to meet users' needs, is providing value for money, and is strategically relevant, then moving to contract without a full procurement exercise would be a defendable position. The factsheet also points out that contract duration does not need to be standardised or limited to 3-5 years. Indeed long-term contracts may be helpful where continuity in staffing and provider is required by the service user (see 'Fife user-led evaluation' article for an example of where continuity is important). Finally it reminds local authorities of the need to develop a procurement strategy setting out how and when services such as housing support will be purchased.
Download copies of the factsheet from the SP website.