Our Ref: 8166  

Dear Enquirer,

INFORMATION REQUEST

Thank you for your request for information which will be dealt with under
the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 / Environmental
Information Regulations 2004.

In some circumstances a fee may be payable and if that is the case, we
will let you know the likely charges before proceeding.

If you have any queries about this matter please contact us. Please
remember to quote the reference number above in any future communications.

Please note, that due to the recent outbreak of Covid-19, there may be a
delay in responding to your request. We appreciate your patience at this
busy period.

Kind regards

Information Governance Office
Northumberland County Council
County Hall
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE61 2EF

Tel: 0345 600 6400
Email: [Northumberland County Council request email]
Web: http://www.northumberland.gov.uk

Our Ref: 8166   

Dear Enquirer,

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST

I refer to your Freedom of Information request in relation to Semi
Independent Accommodation for Looked After Children aged 16 plus.

Right of Access

Section 1(1) of the Act provides any person making a request for
information to a public authority is entitled.

(a) to be informed in writing by the public authority whether it holds
information of the description specified in the request (which Section
1(6) of the Act designates as the "duty to confirm or deny"), and

(b) if that is the case, to have that information communicated to him.

The right is to obtain access to the information itself and not to the
document or record which contains it.

The Act creates a general right of access to information held by public
authorities subject to various exemptions.

Northumberland County Council confirms that it holds the information you
have requested, please see the following information in response.

Q.1.1. Do you use a framework for your providers of Semi Independent
Accommodation for Looked After Children (LAC) aged 16 plus? Yes
Q.1.2. If the answer to Question 1.1 is yes, please let me know the name
of the framework that you use. 
Supported Accommodation and Lodgings for Care Leavers and Young Homeless
Q.1.3. Please let me know the date that it will be renewed.
We anticipate publishing a tender in October 2020
Q.1.4. Do you make use of spot purchases outside of this framework? 
Yes, on occasion when the existing framework does not meet need.

Q.2.1. If you don't use a Framework, do you instead have a Preferred
Supplier List (PSL) of providers of Semi Independent Accommodation for LAC
aged 16 plus? 
N/a
Q.2.2. If the answer to Question 2.1 is yes, please let me know the date
that this PSL will be renewed. 
N/a
Q.2.3. Do you make use of spot purchases outside of this PSL? 
N/a

Q.3 Who is the person within the council who would be in charge of the
Framework or PSL of providers of Semi Independent Accommodation for LAC
aged 16 plus?
Lynn Bryden - Senior Manager, Commissioning

Complaints

If you are unhappy with the way your request for information has been
handled, you can request an internal review by writing within 2 months
from the date of this response to the Information Governance Office:

Information Governance Office
Northumberland County Council
County Hall
Morpeth
NE61 2EF

Email: [Northumberland County Council request email]

Information Commissioner

If you remain dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have a
right by Section 50 of the Act to apply to the Information Commissioner
for a decision as to whether your request has been dealt with in
accordance with the requirements of the Act at:

The Information Commissioner's Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF

Tel: 0303 123 1113
Email: [email address]

There is no charge for making an appeal.

Yours faithfully

FOI Coordinator -
Information Governance Office
Northumberland County Council
County Hall
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE61 2EF

Tel: 0345 600 6400
Email: [Northumberland County Council request email]
Web: http://www.northumberland.gov.uk