RESOLVED

That Cabinet:

A.   Notes the tender process has adhered to Corporate Procurement Procedures, EU Procurement Regulations and the new contract will afford the Council with on-going year on year performance and value for money benefits

B.   Notes the procurement process and endorses the award of the contract to the successful Bidder, as outlined in Part 2 of the Report.  The contract will commence 01 October 2017 and be for an initial period of five (5) years with the option to apply two periods of extensions of one year each, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of budget and continued need at the discretion of the Council in partnership with London Boroughs of Richmond-upon-Thames and Wandsworth.  The maximum possible contract period would be no more than seven years.

C.   Notes that the current proposed model, subject to negotiations with the provider, will be further enhanced for the provision for east Merton residents. London boroughs of Richmond-upon-Thames and Wandsworth are supportive of more detailed work between the three boroughs to ensure that the Hub and Spoke allocation is responsive to the evidenced need across the regional (tri-borough) patch.