Decision

To approve, award, enter into and authorise Legal Services to execute as a deed a new contract with Evouchers Ltd until 31st March 2029 for use by multiple service areas across Wiltshire Council

Reasons for the decision

On the 21st June 2026 the current contract with Evouchers Ltd ended which had been in place to support with administering the Household Support Fund (HSF) since 2023. It has been identified that multiple council departments need continued use of the Evouchers system, despite the change from HSF to the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF).

This system provides users with the choice of vouchers to support their clients and where appropriate the use of cash. The system provides real time data on usage which helps with reporting as well as reduces opportunities for fraud.

Service areas, such as Children’s Support and Safeguarding, Housing, Revenues and Benefits and SEND and Inclusion, will operate their Evouchers account under a float system by paying monies into their account from their own cost centres. There is no other contract cost to Wiltshire Council. The annual value will vary depending on use by the different service areas.

This new contract with Evouchers will start on 22nd June 2026 and expire on 30 March 2029. It has been compliantly procured as a direct award via the Government Commercial Agency (GCA) which was formerly referred to as the Crown Commercial Services, via the G-Cloud 14 Call Framework Agreement (RM1557.14). This is a UK Government framework under PCR 2015 Regulations, and it provides a cost-effective solution for services and help secure financial savings, specifically designed for public sector organisations to procure cloud-based computing services.

I confirm that in making this decision I have considered the following in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution:

Key decision requirements: N/A

Views of relevant cabinet member(s), committee chairman, area board(s): N/A

Consultation with cabinet member(s), the Leader and Scrutiny (for Executive decisions taken under Emergency Powers): N/A

Consultation in accordance with the council’s consultation guidance and the views emanating from that process: N/A

Implication of any council policy, initiative, strategy or procedure: Yes

Staffing, financial and legal implications: Yes

The assessment of any associated risks in accordance with the Council’s risk management strategy: Yes

Involvement of appropriate statutory officers and/or corporate directors and directors: Yes

Regional or national guidance from other bodies where relevant: N/A

The council’s constitution, including the Procurement and Contract Rules (Part 10) and the Financial Regulations and Procedure Rules (Part 9), all relevant guidance, legislation, codes of practice, and protocols:Yes

Alternative options considered

No other options available at this stage.