The Director of Children’s Services reported upon the outcome of the Competitive Dialogue Process for the commissioning of a Connexions Service for the six Merseyside Authorities for the period January 2010 to 31 March 2012. He commented that the shared approach to managing a service had involved extensive consultation across the Merseyside Authorities and a robust commissioning process managed by external contractors Mott McDonald. The outcome of this process was that all six authorities were seeking approval to award the contract to Greater Merseyside Connexions Service (GMCS).

It had been agreed that Halton Borough Council would act as the lead for work to secure the commissioning of connexions services for the participating local authorities and would be the contract holder with the supplier. Other authorities would then enter into funding agreements with Halton to provide for their share of the costs. The Director set out the financial implications for Wirral of the Connexions contract, which could be met from within the existing revenue budget and known Area Based Grant for 2010-2011. However, funding for 2011-2012 would need to be included in budget projections for 2011-2014.

Resolved –

(1)  That the contract for a Connexions Service be awarded to Greater Merseyside Connexions Service for the period July 2010 to March 2012.

(2)  That delegated authority be granted to the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, on advice from the Director of Children’s Services, the Director of Finance and the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management, to sign a funding agreement between Wirral Borough Council and Halton Borough Council for the Management of this contract.