Decision details

The Authority approves the procurement of a 60-month contract agreement for the provision of a North Yorkshire Information and Advice Service.

It is recommended that the Council undertakes an open procurement process in accordance with The Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The unrestricted procedure will ensure maximum competition is guaranteed.

NYC requires a second tier Welfare Benefits, Information and Guidance Service, to provide advice and publications, training and information to frontline workers, including our North Yorkshire Council Benefits and Assessment Officers. The service is required to also provide the same service to other charitable advice organisations, for example, Carers Resource and Housing Associations.

The Welfare Benefits, Information and Guidance Service is the current enabler for the Benefits, Assessments and Charging (BAC) teams supporting their on-going success in terms of welfare benefits maximisation for people within North Yorkshire. Without the provision of this service or equivalent, the maximisation of income from welfare benefits for people within North Yorkshire would be far more difficult to achieve.

The current agreement NYC has with the incumbent provider (Welfare Benefits Unit) is due to terminate on the 31/03/2025.

• Compliant Route to Market
• Current Agreement is expiring on the 31/03/2025.
• To maintain continuity of a statutory service provision

• Continuation with rolling agreement with incumbent supplier, rejected on the grounds of procurement compliance.