That, subject to none of the specification, the budget nor the procurement processes proposed being materially different from what is outlined in the submitted report, the Director for Public Health be given delegated authority to award the contract for integrated sexual and reproductive health services to the successful provider, upon conclusion of the procurement process and in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities.

Improving sexual and reproductive health, improves outcomes for communities and people and in turn ensures that planning for place (such as housing and population predictions) and economic growth and skills are also positively impacted.

Delegating authority to award the contract to the Director of Public Health, facilitates a timely and efficient joint procurement process.

Options considered are limited given the mandated nature of service provision and available budget.  However, three models were considered and after consultation with the public, including groups with poorer sexual health outcomes, other local authorities, the provider market, and national best practice.  A subsequent model had been developed, presented and broadly accepted by the provider market.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 8 May 2024 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

The current contract for Integrated Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in Torbay expires on 30 June 2025, and hence it is a requirement that a new contract commences from 1 July 2025 due to the following two conditions:

1.    Open access sexual and reproductive health services are a mandated function of the public health ring-fenced grant.

2.    Current procurement legislation requires that this contract be subject to a legally compliant procurement process.

Currently services are co-commissioned with Devon County Council, and the intention was to continue this approach.

At the meeting Councillor Tranter proposed and Councillor Tyerman seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet, as set out above.

None.