Decision

The Authority approves the procurement of a
72-month contract agreement for the provision of a North Yorkshire
Information and Advice Service.

It is recommended that the Council undertakes an open procurement
process in accordance with The Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
The unrestricted procedure will ensure maximum competition is
guaranteed.

NYC requires a provision that will provide advice and information
services to the public on a holistic basis, ranging from debt and
money management to housing, employment etc. alongside working with
over 200 partners. This is a statutory service, and the demand
continues to increase. Without an equivalent service, people would
have little or no other source for advice and assistance.

The current agreement NYC has with the incumbent provider (Citizens
Advice Bureau) is due to terminate on the 31/03/2025.

Reasons for the decision

• Compliant Route to Market
• Current Agreement is expiring on the 31/03/2025.
• To maintain continuity of a statutory service
provision

Alternative options considered

• Continuation with rolling agreement
with incumbent supplier, rejected on the grounds of procurement
compliance.