This report sets out the commission of the next iteration of the Closing the Gap framework, including services that focus on community-based, preventative work, delivered by providers primarily from Reading’s Voluntary and Community Sector.

The Committee considered a report setting out proposals for the next iteration of the Closing the Gap framework, with the current contracts expiring on 31 October 2025.  A Needs Analysis was attached to the report at Appendix 1 and an Equality Impact Assessment was attached at Appendix 2.

The report noted that services under the Closing the Gap framework were commissioned to reduce differences around health outcomes across the borough, increase wellbeing, reduce inequalities and loneliness, support statutory requirements around carers, provide support around poverty and debt, provide infrastructure support to the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) and contribute to long-term positive change.  There was a focus on community-based, preventative work, delivered by providers primarily from Reading’s VCS.

The report explained that the programme brought together funding from Public Health, Adult Social Care, and Housing, along with additional funding from Brighter Futures for Children and West Berkshire Council to achieve shared outcomes.  The total budget envelope was £1,450,543 per annum which represented a small increase to the current amount (£1,368,043) owing to additional resource allocation towards Debt Support, a Hospital to Home Service, and the Visual Impairment Service.  In consultation with funding stakeholders, a working group of internal and external officers, engagement with prospective providers and using information from a needs analysis, the budget had been allocated across 18 service specifications to address the most pressing needs for Reading’s residents.

The report stated that a review of the previous Closing the Gap commissioning had found that a full tender process for all contracts was not proportionate to the level of funding being awarded and service requirements, and also had a high risk of excluding smaller organisations with limited resources from participating in complex bidding frameworks.  To mitigate this, a project-based, tiered procurement approach was recommended, with clear service specifications based on needs analysis, engagement sessions with providers and working groups.  This would comprise of full tender exercises and Requests for Quotation (RFQ) depending on the value of each contract.  Bids would be evaluated by a multi-disciplinary team and contracts awarded to the highest scoring bidders. The scoring criteria would be published with the tender/RFQ information.  Successful bidders would be offered contracts of three years, with the option for the Council to extend by up to two years, acknowledging the positive impact of stability and certainty of funding for providers.  The current Infrastructure Support contract would be separated from the service delivery contracts and recommissioned five months later in order to better support the VCS.  The current Infrastructure service would therefore be extended by five months up to April 2026, with the intention of publishing the tender in November 2025.

Resolved –

(1)      That the Council commit to the recommission of preventative services in the community to meet identified needs in Reading;

(2)      That the budget envelope be agreed at £1,450,543 to fund 18 contracts, each with a remit to focus on an identified area of need in line with the respective grant requirements;

(3)      That the Executive Director of Communities & Adult Social Care, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised to enter into contracts with the successful organisations for three years with the option to extend for up to two years, commencing on 1 November 2025.