I am submitting this Freedom of Information (FOI) request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. My request relates to the allocation of contracts and placements for leaving care services and social care services for young people aged 16-25 within your council area over the past five years. The purpose of this request is to ensure transparency in the use of public funds and the fair distribution of services.
Request Details:
Contracts Awarded to Service Providers (Last 5 Years)
For all service providers contracted to deliver leaving care and young people’s social care services, please provide the following details for the period from October 2019 to October 2024:
a. List of Providers: A complete list of all companies, organizations, or individuals contracted to provide these services.
b. Contract Details:
The name of each provider.
The total number of contracts awarded to each provider.
The value bands of each contract (e.g., <£100,000, £100,000-£500,000, etc.).
The duration of each contract.
The procurement method used (e.g., competitive tender, direct award, etc.).
c. Financial Data:
The total value of contracts awarded to each provider during the requested period.
Payment schedules and amounts paid for each contract, including any adjustments, bonuses, or performance-related payments.
Breakdown of Placements to Service Providers (Last 5 Years)
Please provide the following data for all providers of leaving care and young people’s social care services:
a. Placement Allocation:
The total number of placements allocated to each service provider.
The decision-making process used to allocate placements to each provider.
A monthly or quarterly breakdown of placements per provider during the five-year period.
b. Complaints and Service Evaluations:
The number of complaints received about each provider’s services, categorized by type and resolution status.
Summaries of any service evaluations, audits, or performance reviews conducted on these providers.
Procurement and Tendering Process (Last 5 Years)
For all contracts awarded for these services, please provide:
a. Tender Evaluation Reports:
Copies of evaluation reports for all tenders, including scoring sheets and criteria used to assess bids.
b. Bidder Lists:
Full lists of bidders, their bid amounts, and reasons for rejecting any bids.
c. Contract Modifications and Extensions:
Details of any contract amendments, variations, or extensions, including the reasons for these changes.
Governance and Oversight (Last 5 Years)
Please provide:
a. Governance Meeting Minutes:
Minutes from council or committee meetings responsible for overseeing contracts and placements for these services.
b. Conflict of Interest Declarations:
A copy of conflict of interest declarations submitted by council officers involved in awarding contracts or placement allocations.
c. Whistleblower Reports and Investigations:
Any internal or external reports or investigations related to the contracting or placement allocation process.
Council Process for Reporting Fraud, Corruption, or Irregularities
Please also provide:
a. Policies and Procedures: A copy of the council’s policies and procedures for reporting fraud, corruption, or other irregularities within council processes, particularly regarding procurement and the allocation of public contracts.
b. Contact Information: Details on the internal and external reporting mechanisms for raising concerns about fraud or corruption, including relevant departments or officers tasked with handling such reports.
Investigations, Resignations, and Disciplinary Actions (Last 5 Years)
a. Investigations:
Have there been any investigations (internal or external) related to the allocation of contracts or placements for leaving care services and young people’s social care services? If so, please provide details of the nature of the investigation and the outcome.
b. Resignations:
Have any staff, officers, or decision-makers involved in the allocation of these contracts or placements resigned, been dismissed, or been disciplined for reasons related to their involvement in these processes? Please provide the reasons for their departure and any associated actions taken by the council.
c. Unusual Activities:
Have there been any reports, complaints, or concerns raised internally or externally about the fairness, legality, or transparency of the allocation of contracts or placements in these services? If so, please provide details on the nature of these concerns and any actions taken in response.