The Cabinet had received a report on 15 October 2009 setting out the outcome of the Competitive Dialogue Process that resulted in Greater Merseyside Connexions Partnership (GMCP) being awarded the contract for the provision of Connexions Services to the six Merseyside Authorities for the period January 2010 to 31 March 2012 with the option of an extension until March 2014.  (Minute No. 173 refers)

The Cabinet received a further report on 3 February 2011.  “Progress report on the Pan Merseyside Connexions Contract”. This report provided authorisation for officers on behalf of the Council to continue to negotiate with Greater Merseyside Partnership in respect of the 2011/2012 contract and service specification, together with the five Local Authority areas in the Liverpool City Region (LCR). (Minute No. 323 refers)

A report by the Interim Director of Children and Young People provided an up-date on those negotiations.

The report was considered in the absence of the press and public because it dealt with contractual negotiations with the Greater Merseyside Connexions Partnership and disclosure would prejudice the efficiency and effectiveness of the Council’s resources.

RESOLVED:  That:

(1)  the proposed reduced core contract value from £2,899,770 to £2,513,577 and the associated conditions as set out in paragraph 4.2 of the report be noted; and

(2)  the contract with Connexions be extended for a further two years from April 2012 in order to work solely with vulnerable groups on the understanding that six months notice can be given at any time by either partners.