Issue details

The placement of children and young people in children’s residential homes continues to exert significant pressures for local authorities across the region.  These pressures are also being felt in Leeds - not only to identify placements in the Leeds locality but also on budgets within Children and Families Services.  Therefore, in line with Public Contracts Regulations 2015, and to ensure that Leeds meets statutory duty (Care Act 2014 and Children’s Homes Act 2015), Leeds Children and Families directorate is seeking permission to procure residential home placements in Leeds from the external market to meet the changing needs of our children and young people and families.

Leeds participates in the DN358666 – White Rose – Residential Electronic Market Place (EMP), a contract arrangement between 14 participating authorities/trust across the Yorkshire and Humber.  The Residential EMP has been in place since 01/08/2019 and allows participating authorities the option to procure blocks from this contract arrangement.  This procurement is likely to include phased opportunities to meet Leeds immediate and longer-term sufficiency planning.  Contract opportunities are likely to be up to a 4-year period.