Rough Sleeping Rapid Assessment Hub & Outreach / InReach Service

Southend-on-Sea City Council proposes a direct award to HARP (Homeless Action Resource Project) for the continued provision of the Rough Sleeping Rapid Assessment Hub and Outreach/Inreach Service, valued at £352,710.24 excluding VAT.

The existing contract, originally awarded through a compliant competitive procurement process in 2022, expired on 31 March 2026 following the exercise of the available extension. Due to the late confirmation of ongoing funding, there was insufficient time to undertake and complete a new procurement before contract expiry.

HARP has continued to deliver the service to prevent disruption to critical homelessness and rough sleeping support. The proposed award will regularise the current position and provide an interim arrangement until 31 March 2027, allowing sufficient time to undertake a compliant procurement for the long-term service.

The direct award is necessary to ensure continuity of a critical service for vulnerable residents, maintain the Council's homelessness responsibilities, and avoid disruption to accommodation, outreach, safeguarding and support provision. The arrangement represents value for money as services will continue on the same terms and pricing established through the 2022 competitive tender process.

Without this award, there is a significant risk of service interruption and the Council being unable to maintain essential rough sleeping and homelessness support services.

The contract value associated with this transparency notice accounts for the retrospective services provided by HARP from 31 March 2026 to date, as well as the future contract value up to the expiry date of 31 March 2027.