The Director of Housing submitted a report to Cabinet to request approval of the commencement of a procurement exercise for accommodation with high support in Oxford from 1^st April 2027. 

Cabinet is recommended to:

1.    Give project approval for the commencement of a procurement of an accommodation support service for individuals with multiple and complex support needs who are experiencing homelessness;  

2.    Delegate to the Director of Housing (following conclusion of the procurement) in consultation with the Group Finance Director, Director of Law Strategy and Governance and the Cabinet Member for Regulation of the Private Rented Sector and Preventing Homelessness), the authority to award a contract within the relevant budget.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.    Give project approval for the commencement of a procurement of an accommodation support service for individuals with multiple and complex support needs who are experiencing homelessness;

2.    Delegate to the Director of Housing (following conclusion of the procurement) in consultation with the Group Finance Director, Director of Law Strategy and Governance and the Cabinet Member for Regulation of the Private Rented Sector and Preventing Homelessness), the authority to award a contract within the relevant budget.

The Director of Housing submitted a report to Cabinet to request approval of the commencement of a procurement exercise for accommodation with high support in Oxford from 1^st April 2027. 

Councillor Rowley noted that the existing high support homelessness service, delivered from a single location, required re-procurement as the current contract would end at the end of the financial year. Although part funded by surrounding district councils, the service needed to continue regardless of local government reorganisation. The proposal was for an initial 2-year contract, covering 2027-28 and 2028-29 with an option to extend for a further 3 years.

Francesca Barr, Senior Rough Sleeping Officer, added that the demand for high support services remained high, with long waiting lists and limited provision across Oxfordshire, highlighting the need for the service.

Councillor Railton proposed.

Councillor Rowley seconded.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.    Give project approval for the commencement of a procurement of an accommodation support service for individuals with multiple and complex support needs who are experiencing homelessness;

2.    Delegate to the Director of Housing (following conclusion of the procurement) in consultation with the Group Finance Director, Director of Law Strategy and Governance and the Cabinet Member for Regulation of the Private Rented Sector and Preventing Homelessness), the authority to award a contract within the relevant budget.