Decision details

This report seeks approval to modify the contract entered into between the Council and Home-Start Host on 5 July 2023 for the provision of Family Hubs Outreach Services. The Contract commenced on 1 July 2023 and has an initial expiry date of 30 June 2025. The initial expiry date can be extended to 30 June 2026 on written agreement between the parties. Home-Start is a key local and valued voluntary organization and a local charitable organization.

RESOLVED - That: It is proposed that the Contract is modified to vary the scope of the services and to extend elements of the Oldham’s Family Hubs and Start for Life programme during the remainder of year 3 (November 2024 – June 2025). If approved, this will provide some stability and continuity of messages and support to the current offer to families. As the existing provider modifying the current contract offers best value for money.

Option 1 - approve the modification of the scope of the contract between Oldham Council and Home-Start Host Limited for the delivery of peer support around infant feeding and low level perinatal and infant mental health funded through Public Health and Family Hubs by providing peer support on the maternity ward in Oldham hospital and by supporting the delivery of the new antenatal and post-natal education pathway.
Option 1 also includes a funding contribution to the Oldham Baby Bank. The funding will contribute to staffing costs. The staff members manage a volunteer team and are responsible for sorting donations, cleaning/ironing and preparing items for distribution and for receiving and processing requests for items.
This poses no risk to Oldham Council as funding is being used in line with the Family Hubs delivery expectations. This will also enhance the current service already being delivered by Home-Start under contract and provides continuity of service and value for money.

Option 2 - : The alternative is to commission the additional scope of services in accordance with Contract Procedure Rules to deliver the additional elements of the Family Hubs infant feeding peer support element. As the elements are an extension of our existing service provision from Home-Start, which the charity is already delivering under contract, this would be a time consuming and expensive option, which would be ineffective for families as it would create duplication of services and a fragmented offer. Further, it would not produce value for money.

Option 3 - Do not modify the contract with Home-Strat to expand and enhance the scope of services being delivered during the initial term or commission the additional scope. Home-Start are providing a highly valuable service to Oldham families.

The service offered is targeted to young families in need of this support. The recommended offer will help the trusted provider deliver the service with minimum disruption. Failure to approve the offer will not provide the best outcome for residents in the Borough who require this service.

This is an extension of the current contract for the period Apr-25 to Jul-25 at a cost, which will be wholly funded through the Council’s Family Hubs and Start for Life Grant. This amount has been factored into the overall Programme of works and will enhance the current service delivery in line with Family Hubs delivery expectations.

If approved, option 1 will positively impact on children and their families as improving breastfeeding rates contributes to reducing health inequalities. It also ensures families in Oldham have access to the support they need or the essential clothing, toys and equipment available through the Baby Bank