Domestic Abuse Locality Service

Domestic Abuse Locality Service (DALS), includes wraparound support for those in Leicester City Council’s domestic abuse safe accommodation to reduce the chance of revictimization and improve sustainable wellbeing. This includes resettlement, support to safely manage, advocacy, delivery of domestic abuse training, community engagement and specialist support for those in Sanctuary accommodation. Partnership work is also central, particularly with housing and adult social care.

The direct award is justified in line with Schedule 5, Paragraph 7 of the Procurement Act (additional or repeat goods, services or works). This justification applies where the services are to be provided by the existing supplier and a change in supplier would result in services that are different from or incompatible with those currently being provided, giving rise to disproportionate operational difficulties. The Council considers that introducing a new provider during this period would create disproportionate operational difficulties and increase the risk of disruption to established safeguarding arrangements and continuity of support for service users.

A strictly time-limited direct award of 24 months is therefore considered necessary to maintain continuity of service And to allow the relevant time for future commissioning arrangements to be designed and procured in collaboration with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (or equivalent body), Leicestershire County Council and Rutland District and County Council.