Decision details

To vary the existing Gloucestershire county-wide contract with Safe Partnership Limited to allow a further extension until 31st January 2026.

Cheltenham Borough Council (CBC) jointly contract Safe Partnership Limited to provide a range of security measures in peoples’ homes for households who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, domestic abuse. The aim of this service is to prevent homelessness and to keep victims, and their children, safe in their homes.

The security options that can be provided range from ‘target hardening’ measures (i.e. the installation of various security devices, which can be fitted readily to buildings without major adaptations) to more extensive works, known as ‘sanctuary’ provision. This sanctuary provision can involve installing much more extensive security measures, such as the creation of a ‘sanctuary room’, which is a safe place where victims can call and await the arrival of the police.

The current contract began on 1st March 2023. It is a county wide service between CBC, Cotswold District Council, Forest of Dean District Council, Gloucester City Council, Stroud District Council, Tewkesbury Borough Council, Gloucestershire County Council (on behalf of Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service) and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.

This contract is due to end on 31st July 2025, and the decision to extend this contract to 31st January 2026 is permitted by virtue of Regulation 72(1)(e) of the Procurement Contract Regulations 2015. By extending this contract we will be able to ensure that services can continue to be provided for households experiencing domestic abuse, ahead of re-procuring this contract, the process of which is currently underway.

This service is funded via the council’s Homelessness Prevention Grant, and funding is available to enable the continued provision of this service.

Not to extend this contract. This option is rejected on the basis that this service continues to be an important homelessness prevention option for those households experiencing domestic abuse.

This decision is supported by Flo Clucas, Cabinet Member for Housing and Customer Services.