Hounslow Council's Cabinet has approved a contract award to West London NHS Trust for the provision of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Tier 2.
The contract, valued at £618,354 annually, will run from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2029, with an option for a two-year extension. The total potential value of the contract over its full term is £3,091,770.
These services are crucial for providing early intervention to children and young people in Hounslow, supporting their mental health and aiming to prevent escalations into crisis support or hospital admissions. The contract also includes provisions for specialist psychological recommendations to support care proceedings and direct work with families involved in the care system.
The direct award to West London NHS Trust ensures continuity of service for vulnerable children and young people in the borough. This decision aligns with the Council's Corporate Plan and Children and Young People's Plan, which prioritize early intervention in mental wellbeing and joint working with health partners.
Officers have confirmed that this direct award is compliant with the Provider Selection Regime, specifically Direct Award C, which applies when an existing provider is meeting its contract obligations and the new contract will not be materially different. A notice to the market will be issued to ensure transparency.
While a competitive procurement was considered, it was deemed unlikely to attract sufficient interest from alternative local providers who could deliver the necessary services. The direct award ensures service continuity and avoids potential disruption for children and families.
