Purpose

To request authority to extend a contract in respect of Independent Advice and Guidance Services with Brent Citizens Advice Bureau t/a Citizens Advice Advice Brent as required by Contract Standing Order 112.

Decision

That the Director of Strategic Commissioning, Capacity Building and Engagement:

i)               Approves an extension of the contract for Independent Advice and Guidance Services with Brent Citizens Advice Bureau t/a Citizens Advice Brent for a period of 8 months and 11 days from 1 April 2026 until 11 December 2026.

Reasons for the decision

The Council entered into a contract for Independent Advice and Guidance Services with Brent Citizens Advice Bureau t/a Citizens Advice Brent on 12 December 2022.

The contract contains provision permitting extension of the contract by up to a further two years. Officers consider extending the contract by 8 months and 11 days will achieve best value for the Council and is reasonable in all the circumstances.

Alternative options considered

Officers considered various options, including to not extend the contract. However, there is high demand for advice and guidance services and CAB has proved to be an effective partner in providing such services. Officers therefore concluded it was an effective use of resources to extend the contract for a period of 8 months and 11 days. This will also enable officers to consider future options and commissioning in parallel with consideration of future Voluntary and Community Sector capacity building and social infrastructure provision in the borough, as well as be informed by the work of radical place leadership in respect of community and neighbourhood advice and guidance priorities.