Decision

The Director of Finance has approved the direct award via the Government Commercial Agency G-Cloud14 Framework Lot 2: Cloud software of a two year contract with effect from 28/10/2026 with the option to extend for a further one year to Inform Holdings Ltd for Analyse Local Rateable Value Finder (RV Finder) Income Maximisation Service & Revenue Forecasting Service at a cost of £160,000 per year with a total cost of £480k including the optional 3rd year extension.

Reasons for the decision

The purpose of identifying assessable properties or changes that are not currently fully reflected in the Rating list, missing, omitted or undervalued non-domestic hereditaments within the local rating list, and supporting progression to the Valuation Office Agency (VOA) for review. Thereby improving the accuracy and completeness of the Business Rates tax base.

Alongside this, Analyse Local's Forecasting service, provides data-driven Business Rates forecasting, allowing the Council to model future income, understand the impact of changes to the rating list, support budget preparation and improve the accuracy of financial planning. The service provides a consistent evidence base for forecasting, reducing reliance on manual spreadsheets and local assumptions and support the NNDR1 & NNDR3 Statutory annual Government returns.

Small Business Rates relief review included to ensure accuracy of Business Rates records, & eligibility criteria as per legislation is still met. 

Both services support revenue maximisation through Business Rates for Wirral Council. 

No internal resource capacity to cover this specialised work area, and limited access to fulfil internally the breadth of the scope required.

Alternative options considered

The alternative is not to procure further support.  This has been considered and the anticipated detrimental impact on loss in revenue to Wirral Council and budgetary /financial planning is a considerable risk. This option has therefore been discounted.