Purpose

This report seeks Cabinet Member approval to undertake procurement for the provision of essential household items for Sefton residents claiming emergency and /or crisis support as part of either the Council’s Emergency Limited Assistance Scheme (ELAS) or the new Crisis and Resilience Fund/ Crisis Payment (CRF/ CP).

Decision

Decision(s):

1. The approved procurement exercise to establish a new contract for the provision of essential household items for ELAS and CRF/ CP, be noted.
2. It be noted that for any contract awarded to be entered into for an initial term of one year with the option to further extend for a period of one year.
3. The decision on the award of the contract be delegated to the Executive Director of Corporate Resources /S.151 Officer following the completion of the tender exercise.

Reasons for the recommendation:

Provision of essential household items is anessential element of the support that the Council provides to residents in emergency and/or crisis situations.

The current arrangement ends on 30th September 2026; however, a contract waiver will be requested for a period of up to 6-months whilst the procurement process is underway to ensure continuity for the provision of essential household items.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

The alternative options would be to not provide the service or continue without tendering in contravention of Public Contracts Regulations. However, this option has been rejected as the Council does not wish to withdraw this essential support or not to comply with appropriate regulations.