Agenda and minutes

To receive declarations of personal or prejudicial interests, arising from business to be transacted.

RESOLVED:  To note that the following interest was declared:

Agenda Item 7 – The provision of a Parent Partnership Service

Councillor Mitzi Green declared a personal interest in that she was a Governor of Kenmore Park Infant and Junior School.  She would remain in the room whilst the matter was considered and voted upon.

The minutes of the meeting held at 10am on 28 March 2011 will be deferred to the next meeting

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held at 10.00 am on 28 March 2011 be deferred to the next meeting.

To receive petitions (if any) submitted by members of the public/Councillors under the provisions of Executive Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4D of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no petitions or public questions had been received.

In accordance with the provisions contained in Executive Procedure Rule 25 (Part 4D of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no matters had been referred to the Executive Member for reconsideration.

In accordance with the provisions contained in Executive Procedure Rule 25 (Part 4D) of the Constitution.

RESOLVED:  To note that no reports had been received.

Report of the Corporate Director, Children’s Services.

In accordance with the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985, the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services considered a report of the Corporate Director, Children’s Services on the outcome of the tender evaluation for the provision of a parent partnership service.  The report was admitted late to the agenda because to delay a decision would be prejudicial to the best interest of the Council.

At its meeting on 10 February 2011, Cabinet had received a report on the need to reduce the cost base of the service, and had considered that it could not be achieved by simply reducing the staffing level of the service without adversely affecting the quality and standard of the service provided.  It had further considered that the provision of the service by an external provider would have the advantage of making the service more fully independent than it was currently.  Cabinet had resolved to delegate, to the Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, the decision to award a contract that was the most advantageous in accordance with the tender evaluation criteria.

In response to a question, it was noted that the contract required the provision of a local base in Harrow.  The Council would help the provider secure an appropriate base either through its own facilities or through its contacts with the voluntary sector.

An officer reported that, whilst it had been intended that the contract commence on 1 April 2011, issues in connection with the tendering process and procurement queries had resulted in a delay.  Discussions with the provider would take place regarding an appropriate start date, hopefully as soon as possible in the summer term.  The service was still in operation and transitional arrangements would be made.

RESOLVED:  That ContinYou be appointed to manage a Parent Partnership Service from 1 April 2011.

Reason:  It was the most economically advantageous tender.

RESOLVED:  That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item for the reasons set out below:

Appendix to the Report of the Corporate Director, Children’s Services.

The Portfolio Holder received a confidential appendix to the report of the Corporate Director, Children’s Services in this regard, which set out the tender evaluation report.

An officer responded to questions from the Portfolio Holder regarding the appendix.

RESOLVED:  That the appendix be noted.