Decision details

The Cabinet received a report of the Director of Finance that sought approval to award and enter into contracts for Enforcement Services for the collection of unpaid council tax, business rates, sundry debts and commercial rent arrears from 1^st April 2024 with three highest ranking bidders, as a result of the further competition process undertaken.

The Director informed memebrs that the Council currently operated a mixed provision of council employed ‘in house’ enforcement agents (EAs) and external enforcement agents for the collection of unpaid council tax and business rates debts.

The existing contract had been awarded in October 2019, following an OJEU compliant procurement route, in accordance with Oldham Council’s Contract Procedure Rules and EU regulations utilising the Rotherham Framework (OJEU notice ref 2016/5 -202-365931). Two providers, Marston Holdings Ltd and Rundle and Co were appointed for a 12-month fixed term contract until 30^th September 2020.

Due to the moratorium on debt collection activities during 2020 and 2021, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, approval was subsequently given to extend this contract until 31^st March 2024.

Options/alternatives considered:

Options and alternatives are to be considered at item 14 of the agenda.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet would consider the commercially sensitive information at item 14 of the agenda before making a decision thereon.