Purpose

Advice Services in Cardiff are currently provided through a mix of directly delivered ‘in-house’ services through the Council’s Money Advice Team, wider Advice Services such as Welfare Liaison, Into Work Advice, Housing Solutions & Prevention, Independent Living Services and procured provision for more specialist advice.

The Council’s current contract for Advice provision ends in March 2024.  It is proposed that a new competitive exercise will be required and following a full competition, the successful bidder will be awarded the new contract to work in partnership with Council Advice teams, to ensure a comprehensive and joined up service to clients.

Decision

RESOLVED: that

1. the overarching approach for the procurement of the external Advice Service provision be approved.
2. authority be delegated to the Director of Adults, Housing & Communities in consultation with the Cabinet Member with responsibility for Tackling Poverty, Equality & Public Health, to determine all aspects of the procurement process (including finalising the evaluation criteria to be used, commencement of the procurement process, the award of the contracts and all ancillary matters pertaining to the procurement).