Decision details

To approve the procurement exemption for a Direct Award contract to Post Office Ltd for the provision of a cash voucher service to award Council Tax Energy Rebate to residents who do not pay their Council Tax by Direct Debit. This is for an initial period of 12 months during which time a wider procurement exercise will be carried out after a period of 6 months if there is a need to extend the contract e.g., if the Government announce a second round of the initiative.
The Direct Award exemption is sought on the basis that there is an immediate need to issue cash payments to residents as quickly as possible given the recent announcement by the Government of the Council Tax Energy Rebate.

RESOLVED - That a Direct Award be given to Post Office Ltd. This approach will ensure that a cash payment mechanism can be in place quickly

Option 1 - Do not make a direct award to Post Office Ltd. This would reduce the ability of the Council to mobilise a solution quickly for those residents who pay Council Tax by cash
Option 2 - Direct Award to Post Office Ltd. This approach will ensure that a cash payment mechanism can be in place quickly (current on- boarding timescales for the Post Office are 3 weeks following award of the contract) This will enable the Council to utilise this service and commence the issue of payments at the earliest available opportunity.

Option 1

Consultation has taken place with senior officers.