Framework Agreement for the Provision of Short Notice Transport

The Council currently receive a high number of short notice, short duration requests for transport which we have a statutory duty to deliver. For example, transport may be required immediately, within the same day or next day and the duration of the requirement may only be a single journey.

To address the Council's statutory duty to fulfil urgent transport requests, a framework agreement is being established specifically for the provision of short notice transport services. Through this framework, the Council will appoint a number of qualified suppliers, creating a reliable pool of suppliers capable of responding swiftly to the Council's requirements.

This arrangement enables the Council to offer short notice, short term transport contracts directly to approved suppliers via telephone, without the need for a further competitive procurement process. This approach ensures that transport can be organised and delivered within the tight timescales that such circumstances demand, maintaining compliance and service continuity.

Most transport requirements under the framework will involve social care or home-to-school trips, but the framework will also cover the provision of any type of short-notice transport requirement (with the exception of ambulance/medical transport).