Issue - decisions

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Resources which advised that a decision was required to ensure the continued delivery of Bikeability Core and Bikeability Plus training in Oldham for the period April 2026 to March 2029. Without approval of the proposed contract arrangements, the Bikeability provision for children and young people would be disrupted, with adverse impacts on road safety, active travel, and public health outcomes.

It was proposed to award a five-month interim contract for the period April 2026 to August 2026 via a delegated decision process (for which Cabinet approval would not be required), while concurrently undertaking a competitive procurement exercise for a contract period of two years and seven months from September 2026 to March 2029 (subject to Cabinet approval).

This approach will ensure continuity of service, enable effective forward planning with schools, ensure compliance with procurement regulations, and secure value for money, while maintaining the delivery of high-quality, inclusive training in accordance with national Bikeability standards.

The submitted report was seeking the Cabinet’s approval to commence procurement of a contract for the delivery of Bikeability Core and Bikeability Plus training in Oldham for September 2026–March 2029, subject to funding. To maintain continuity from April 2026, a five-month interim contract (April–August 2026) was proposed to be approved via the councils delegated decision process.

Options/Alternatives considered:

Option 1 – To do nothing. The current delivery arrangements would therefore end with no replacement contract, resulting in cessation of Bikeability training in Oldham.

Option 2 – To extend the existing arrangements for three years. Extending the current arrangements would limit market testing, could conflict with procurement rules, and may not deliver best value.

Option 3 – To procure a new contract for a period of two years and seven months (Recommended option). To conduct a competitive procurement to appoint a provider for a contract period of two years and seven months (Sept 2026– March 2029). This ensures continuity, compliance with procurement rules, value for money, and high-quality delivery.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet:

1. Approves the commencement of a procurement exercise to tender for the delivery of Bikeability Core and Bikeability Plus training in Oldham for a period of two years and seven months from September 2026 to March 2029. 
2. Approves the proposed contract term of two years and seven months for the Bikeability Core and Bikeability Plus contract to provide continuity of delivery and value for money.
3. Delegates authority to the Director of Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport and the Director of Finance, to:

a.    approve the final procurement and tender documentation.