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Question from: County Councillor Pete Lewington Subject: Tendering processes
Question:
I am sure that the portfolio holder will remember that I have previously raised questions regarding the robustness of the council’s tendering processes and criteria for awarding contracts in relation to the vitally important area of care services.
It has been brought to my attention that there have been issues with both the tendering process and contract award for care and support services provided to Powys County Council supported residents at Llys Glan yr Afon in my ward.
I understand that the company awarded the new contract were due to start providing services on 17th October. However, during the transfer of the service some significant issues in the service contract were identified that needed further review and development.
Consequently, that company has withdrawn from the contract and Powys County Council is now revising and retendering the contract.
As the resident’s safety and well-being are of the utmost importance could the portfolio holder, please answer the following:-
1. What were these significant issues and how were they identified?
2. Whilst I am pleased that these issues were eventually identified before impacting the residents why were they only identified after the contract had been awarded and not as part of the tendering process?
3. Despite previous reassurances surely this identifies that there are fundamental flaws in the tendering process and if so, what were those flaws and what has been done to ensure they will not recur in the future?
4. Will the company in question be retendering and if so, what reassurances will be sought to ensure they have addressed these significant issues?
5. Obviously it is important that these issues were identified before the service commenced but could you please detail how much this has cost the council by not only being identified after the contract was awarded rather than as part of the tendering process but by subsequently having to go out to tender again including the costs involved in providing short term cover during this period – in effect a duplication of effort?
6. Finally can you please confirm that the residents will continue to receive the level of support they need and deserve whilst the retendering process is undertaken.
Minutes: Response by the Cabinet Member:
The response contains confidential information and is attached separately.
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