Decision details

The purpose of the report is to seek approval for continuation of the Enhanced Local Welfare Provision offer which was contracted for a short- term period of four months between Oldham Council and Furniture Resource Centre for the supply of kitchen packs (utensils, crockery, small kitchen items), bedding packs (duvets, bedding sheets, pillows) and covid protection packs (sanitisers, handwash) that are eligible to residents thereby enhancing the support available under the Local Welfare Provision Scheme.

RESOLVED - That:
It is recommended that the option to extend the contract for an additional 12 months with Furniture Resource Centre Ltd. This extension would ensure the continuation of the service until the procurement process for a merged Bulky Waste and LWP contract is completed.

Option 1 - To continue providing an Enhanced LWP Scheme using Furniture Resource Centre to supply these goods. FRC have shown commitment to the Oldham community particularly through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Option 2 - To discontinue the Enhanced LWP Scheme
This would reduce the support available to vulnerable people, leaving them without household items at a time when the cost of living is rising. This could leave the Council open to challenge and would be inconsistent with the Council’s approach to supporting residents in crisis via the anti-poverty strategy

Option 2: To discontinue the Enhanced LWP Scheme
This would reduce the support available to vulnerable people, leaving them without household items at a time when the cost of living is rising. This could leave the Council open to challenge and would be inconsistent with the Council’s approach to supporting residents in crisis via the anti-poverty strategy

n/a