Purpose

Delegated authority was granted to the Director of Public Health to approve the award of a five-year contract for the provision of Information and Advice Services to Wirral Citizens Advice Bureau, covering the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027, with the option to extend for up to two additional one-year periods. The contract was awarded following a competitive tender process. Since commencement, the provider has delivered the service in line with the contract requirements and continues to demonstrate positive outcomes for Wirral residents.
This report seeks approval from the Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee to exercise the first 12-month extension option, extending the contract with Wirral Citizens Advice Bureau from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2028.

Decision

Resolved – That

1. 1.  It be noted that performance monitoring of the current Information and Advice Service Contract (Ask Us Wirral) demonstrates that the service is delivering strong outcomes for Wirral residents and is performing effectively against agreed objectives and that monitoring has provided assurance that there are no significant concerns regarding service delivery, contract compliance, or the achievement of agreed outcomes.
2. 2.  The exercise of the first one-year extension option within the Information and Advice Service Contract (Ask Us Wirral), currently delivered by Wirral Citizens Advice Bureau Limited, for the period 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2028, in accordance with the extension provisions contained within the contract be approved.
3. 3.  The Director of Legal Services be approved, in consultation with the Director of Public Health, to complete all necessary contractual arrangements associated with the extension of the Information and Advice Service Contract (Ask Us Wirral) for the period 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2028.