Decision details

That the proposed extension of three existing welfare benefits advice contracts for a period of three months from 1^st April 2016 to 30^th June 2016 under Contract Procurement Rule 3.7 be agreed.

That an integrated benefits advice service be tendered for a period of one year from 1^st July 2016 to 30^th June 2016 with the option to extend for a further year subject to the approval of the Portfolio Holder for Care Services.

Age UK Bromley & Greenwich, Bromley Mencap and Broadway are currently commissioned to deliver benefits advice services to assist older people, people with learning disabilities and people with mental health needs to be aware of their benefits allowance and offer practical support to maximise benefit income, reduce dependence on statutory frontline services and support independence during a period when significant changes are being made to welfare benefits. 

As welfare benefit changes bed in, it is proposed that the Local Authority continue to commission a benefits advice service for a further year, with the option to extend for one year, but that significant efficiencies will be achieved by amalgamating the service into one contract.  It is therefore requested that the existing benefits advice contracts be extended for a period of three months from 1^st April 2016 to 30^th June 2016 to allow providers time to prepare for the forthcoming changes and for commissioners to retender the service as a single contract.