Decision details

That the proposed extension of the three existing welfare benefits advice contracts for a period of nine months from 1^st July 2016 to 31^st March 2017 be agreed under Contract Procurement Rule 3.7.

That future specialist welfare advice be included in the retendering of voluntary sector support 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. 

Following consideration of a report at the meeting of the Care Services PDS Committee on 10^th March 2016, the Portfolio Holder for Care Services agreed 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 planned amalgamation of the service into a single contract and for commissioners to retender the service.  Significant Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) issues have since arisen and it is requested that the existing contracts now be extended for a further nine month period to 31^st March 2017, following which a reduced welfare benefits advice service will be included in the wider retendering of voluntary sector support services.