Consultation around a rough sleepers framework

<p><strong>Please see attached documents for information and consideration. You are invited to provide feedback on these documents by adding comments in the box at the end of the Process Document attached and submitting to <span style="text-decoration: underline;">SCandMD@nottinghamcity.gov.uk </span></strong><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> </span>by 5pm on 28th July 2021.</strong></p>
<p>This is consultation around the creation of a framework to allow the Council to contract with organisations that have demonstrated their qualification to provide services for people sleeping rough (and those at risk of rough sleeping) in Nottingham. In recent years, the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has sought applications from local authorities to access short-term funding awards (typically on an annual basis) to address rough sleeping. These opportunities have been presented through the Rough Sleeping Initiative, the Rapid Rehousing Pathway, the Cold Weather Fund, and the Next Steps Accommodation Programme. It is anticipated the requirement for local authorities to submit bids will continue as the means used by MHCLG for the administration of funding for services to assist rough sleepers from 2021/22 and beyond. Nottingham City Council has been successful in successive applications for funding since the launch of the governments Rough Sleeping Initiative in the spring of 2018. It is likely that the Council will continue to apply for funding from MHCLG to assist in its efforts (and in the efforts of its partners) to reduce rough sleeping in Nottingham. Applications for funding from MHCLG have typically required the submission of proposals within a short bidding window. This has limited the scope to produce the delivery of services through a competitive tender process. The creation of a framework will help to enable the Council to make sure that contracts for services for rough sleepers are awarded to organisations that have demonstrated their suitability and best value (in quality and price) through a clear procurement process, as well as creating more opportunity for new providers to deliver services. The provision of a framework will allow for competitive &lsquo;mini-tenders&rsquo; where needed to help the Council to secure the most suitable services and achieve best value in its use of funding to reduce rough sleeping. The use of a framework to procure services through an open process will also ensure compliance with EU and UK procurement legislation and the Council&rsquo;s Financial Regulations. Just to note that Nottingham Homelessness Prevention and Rough Sleeping Strategy recognises the importance in a cross-sector approach to addressing severe and multiple disadvantage and addressing the causes of homelessness. A pilot project is currently underway exploring opportunities for the joint commissioning of services for rough sleepers and bidders should be aware that depending upon the outcome of this work, there is the possibility that contracts could be interrupted and impacted.</p>