Decision details

To commence the re-procurement of the preferred model for Social Welfare Advice provision for City residents from October 2018.

(1)       Re-procurement of Social Welfare Advice based upon Option 3 in the attached report.

·         Main proposal included procuring service provision of advice through four Voluntary and Community Sector contracts and the retention of a specialist welfare benefit advice service within the Council.

·         Lot 1 – Assessment and referral gateway and the provision of general advice.

·         Lot 2 – Specialist Debt Advice

·         Lot 3 – Specialist Housing Advice

·         Lot 4 – Specialist Employment Advice

·         Specialist Welfare Benefit Advice – Council provision

2)         Full details of the proposals are included in the attached Executive Decision Report.

The Council wants to ensure the continued provision of an robust advice service across the city. Following public consultation, the future advice service provision has been remodelled to respond to, and meet, the changing needs of clients.

Option 1         Partnership with a lead provider, with the inclusion of the Council’s Welfare Rights Service.

Option 2         Partnership with a lead provider, with the Welfare Rights Service being retained in the Council.

Option 3         Procurement of advice through 4 VCS contracts and the retention of a specialist welfare benefit advice service within the Council.