Purpose

Decision to commence procurement.

Decision

The Executive Resolved

That (i)   the commencement of a procurement exercise for the provision of Enforcement Agent services for the recovery of Council Tax, Non-Domestic Rates, Housing Benefit Overpayments and Sundry Debts be approved;

        (ii)  the use of the YPO 1200 Enforcement Agency Services supplier list as the route to market be approved;

        (iii)  the appointment of up to two Enforcement Agent providers following completion of a compliant competitive procurement process; and

        (iv) authority be delegated to the Strategic Director - Finance and Resources, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance, to award and enter into the contracts following completion of the procurement exercise.

Reason:  The proposed procurement will replace legacy arrangements, improve service resilience, introduce enhanced performance standards and strengthen controls around enforcement activity. Appointment of two providers will maintain business continuity, reduce supplier dependency risk and enable comparative performance management throughout the contract period.