Purpose

Authority to direct award for Private Renters Tenants Support and Advisory Service contracts as required by Contract Standing Order 88.

Decision

That the Corporate Director, Resident Services;

i)          Notes the Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness, and Renters’ Security has granted an exemption from the requirement to tender for a contract for a Private Renters Tenants Support and Advisory Service.

ii)         Notes the Contract Standing Order 89 considerations.

iii)       Approves the direct award of the contract for a Private Renters Tenants Support and Advisory Service for a period of two years in the sum of £300,000 to Advice for Renters Limited.

Reasons for the decision

The council requires the provision of a Private Renters Tenants Support and Advisory Service. Council officers have sought and obtained from the Cabinet Member for Homelessness, and Renters’ Security an exemption from the requirement to tender a contract for a Private Renters Tenants Support and Advisory Service (the “Contract”). Officers therefore recommend award of the Contract to Advice for Renters Limited.

Alternative options considered

Officers have considered whether the provision of a Private Renters Tenants Support and Advisory Service can be provided by the Council itself but have concluded that the services are best provide by a contractor.

Officers have reviewed a range of procurement options but consider that a direct award to Advice for Renters Limited is the most appropriate means of procuring a contractor.