Decision details

To enter into contract with North & West Gloucestershire Citizens' Advice Limited as the Advice and Inclusion Service Provider for a period of 3 years, with the option of extending the term for a further 2 years

Decision Maker: Housing Strategy and Partnerships Manager - Martin Stacy

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

For Cheltenham Borough Council to enter into contract with North & West Gloucestershire Citizens’ Advice Limited as the Advice and Inclusion Service Provider from 1st April 2022 for a period of 3 years, with the option of extending the term for a further 2 years, subject to satisfactory performance and available finance.

Reasons for the decision:

Cheltenham Borough Council currently commissions an Advice and Inclusion Service to deliver debt and benefit advice, financial inclusion services and housing rights and homelessness prevention advice to residents of Cheltenham. This current contract expires on 31st March 2022.

Cabinet took the decision on 12th October 2021 to retender the Advice and Inclusion Contract for a 3 year period, with the option of extending the term for a further 2 years, subject to satisfactory performance and available finance. This service focuses on achieving the following key outcomes:

·         The prevention of homelessness;

·         Reduction in unmanageable debt;

·         The prevention of future unmanageable debt arising;

·         Maximisation of incomes through the take up of benefits;

·         Ensuring that residents (and in particular vulnerable residents) are adequately assisted in securing their rights in respect of the services provided under this contract.

 

Following our retender, 2 bids were received. These were assessed and following evaluation and subsequent consultation with the Cabinet Member – Housing it is proposed that the new contract is awarded to North & West Gloucestershire Citizens’ Advice Limited. The new service will be delivered within budget.

 

This service will be delivered by a new provider, which means there will be some transitional arrangements prior to the start of the new contract on 1st April 2022. The period between now and the start of the contract will be used to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible.

 

Alternative options considered:

No viable alternative options unavailable

Other reasons / organisations consulted

This decision to award the advice and inclusion contract was taken in consultation with the Cabinet Member Housing.

Contact: Martin Stacy, Housing Strategy and Partnerships Manager 01242 264216 Email: [email protected].

Publication date: 17/01/2022

Date of decision: 17/01/2022

Accompanying Documents: