Decision details

To ensure that women who sex work and either live or work
in Oldham have access to appropriate and accessible
support for their sexual health and wellbeing, safety and,
where necessary, substance misuse, in order to improve
their health and wellbeing.

The purpose of the report is to request approval for a 12-
month extension to the collaboration agreement under which
Rochdale Council, on behalf of itself and Oldham Council,
commissions Manchester Action on Street Health (MASH) to
provide targeted support for women who sex work and live
or work in Oldham or Rochdale with a key aim of improving
their health and wellbeing.

RESOLVED - That:


Approve an exemption under clause 21.3 (c) of the contract procedure
rule document and to delegate authority to Rochdale
Council, as lead commissioning authority, to award the 12-
month contract extension on behalf of Oldham Council.

Option 1 -
Do not continue to fund a targeted support offer
for women who sex work and live or work in Oldham.
This is not the recommended option as it does not align with
Oldham’s priorities of tackling health inequalities for
vulnerable, priority or at-risk groups and is not consistent
with the commitment within the Oldham Plan to take a
person and community centred approach, that places
prevention at the heart of our emerging new model of
delivery.

There is an evidenced need for this provision and no longer
funding it would mean that we lose the significant
opportunities to support and improve outcomes for some of
the most marginalised women in our society, who are at high
risk of STIs, drug dependency, mental ill health,
homelessness and significant risk of harm.
Option 2 -


Option B: Approve a 12-month extension to the
collaboration agreement with Rochdale Council, under which
Rochdale will act as lead authority and commission
Manchester Action on Street Health in accordance with
Rochdale Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.


This is the recommended option. Extending the contract with
Manchester Action on Street Health would mean that we can
continue to effectively support the health needs of one of the
most marginalised and stigmatised groups in our society by
commissioning a provider who is an expert in the field and
has proven experience and track record of supporting and
advocating for women who sex work to help them
experience good health, safety and emotional wellbeing

Option 1 -

Do not continue to fund a targeted support offer
for women who sex work and live or work in Oldham.
This is not the recommended option as it does not align with
Oldham’s priorities of tackling health inequalities for
vulnerable, priority or at-risk groups and is not consistent
with the commitment within the Oldham Plan to take a
person and community centred approach, that places
prevention at the heart of our emerging new model of
delivery.

None