This page provides information and guidance for uplift requests for commissioned providers that are not part of any regional or national framework contract arrangements. This process is to promote efficiency, consistency, and transparency for the benefit of both you as a Service Provider and the Local Authority.
We are committed to working closely with the provider market and appreciate the challenges of delivering efficiencies in service provision without compromising the quality of education and care. However, due to continuing budget pressures the Authority cannot guarantee uplifts that are not of the exceptional nature or show unjustifiable increases.
We do however recognise that there may be circumstances driving fee increases. If you are a provider that is not on any of the national or regional framework contracts and feel you have an exceptional case for a fee uplift request, this will be considered subject to the conditions and process below.
We will extend an appeal opportunity, granting a timeframe of 14 days process for providers who can substantiate exceptional circumstances, particularly those catering to young people with complex needs that necessitate specialist support.
Where you are signed up to any regional or national framework contracts, then please refer to the relevant Terms and Conditions of the contract as these will take precedent over the procedure referred to herein.
Stoke-on-Trent’s Placements Fee Review Process
This below guidance sets out the process to determine whether a request for a fee uplift will be considered, as an authority we are committed to fair commissioning, and each price uplift request will be given fair consideration by commissioners.
This process is specifically for off-contract requests for fee increases i.e. spot purchases. Over the last few years, the Local Authority has worked to develop Framework Contracts which have fee increase terms included. If you are signed up to one of the frameworks below, then please refer to the terms and conditions of the contract before applying for any fee increase through the process.
Regional Residential Framework
Regional Supported Accommodation Framework
This Fee Review process only applies to fee increases NOT relating to framework or other contracts that a provider has signed up to, and therefore the Terms and Conditions of these contracts will take precedent.
If you would like more information on how to apply to become part of the above Frameworks please email stokeuplifts@stoke.gov.uk
Criteria for Review
Consideration of a review of fees will be given where, for financial reasons, the viability of the Provider will be affected such that the quality of service may be impaired, the service becomes unstable and/or may potentially be withdrawn.
The Fee Review Process
Fee uplift requests for 2026/2027 must be submitted via the online forms below by no later than 31st March 2026.
Only requests submitted on the agreed forms below and received by the due date will be accepted.
Providers must submit separate requests for each Child across all accommodation areas. All providers must submit their application using weekly costs.
Evaluation and Providing a Response
The Local Authority representatives including operational teams, will have access to the uplift request forms and will be requested to comment upon the quality of service received and their view on the Value for Money provided.
Separate professional advice maybe sought with respect to the financial evidence submitted.
Once collated the information will be considered by Operational Leads, Commissioning and Finance Representatives. Providers will be informed directly via the email address provided upon submission of the decision.
Escalation
It is expected that the majority of Uplift Requests will be dealt with in the way laid out above. Where further scrutiny is required, more information may be requested, or a Provider can justify escalating their case a review of your request will take place in line with the 14-day appeal process as outlined above.
Once all Uplift requests have been agreed upon by both the Local Authority and the Provider, final agreement will be sent to Operational Directors for sign off. Once this has been completed this will be shared with our Finance and Brokerage teams for invoices to be paid and backdated.