Purpose

To consider the proposal for Citizens Advice
Core Funding for 2026/27.

Decision

RESOLVED that
 
a.   
the renewal of the existing core services grant
to Citizens Advice East Hampshire at £186,000 per annum for
the delivery of advice services in East Hampshire be
approved;
b.   
the continuation of funding under a three-year
Service Level Agreement commencing 1 April 2026 and ending 31 March
2029, subject to annual review as part of the Council’s
budget-setting process be approved; and
c.   
authority be delegated to the Executive Director
of Community, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for
Community Development and Engagement and the Section 151 Officer,
to:

•      
Finalise and enter into the contractual
arrangements with Citizens Advice East Hampshire;

•      
Agree detailed outcomes, monitoring arrangements,
and any variations required during the term of the agreement;
and

•      
Release grant payments in instalments subject to
satisfactory performance monitoring.
 
Reasons for the decision
 
To enter into a new funding agreement with
Citizens Advice East Hampshire (CAEH) for the continued delivery of
free, confidential, and impartial advice services to residents
across East Hampshire. The proposal was to move from the current
one-year arrangement to a three-year Service Level Agreement (SLA),
with an annual review clause linked to the Council’s budget
setting process.
 
Alternative Options Considered
 
Option A – Do Nothing
No statutory duty exists to fund advice
services. However, withdrawal of funding would likely result in
service closure, increased demand on statutory services, and
negative impacts on vulnerable residents.
 
Option B – One-Year Extension
Maintains current arrangements but offers
limited security for CAEH and does not address long-term
sustainability. Risk of service reduction remains high.
 
Option C – Three-Year SLA with Annual
Review (Preferred)
Provides greater operational stability for
CAEH, reducing the risk of service reduction by enabling
longer-term planning and more favourable supplier contracts Page 5
of 9 (e.g. telephony and advice systems). Supports continuity
during LGR while retaining annual financial control and break
clauses for the Council.