Purpose

Contract award to Grant Thornton for Reporting Accountant work for Housing Benefit Subsidy Claim for five years from 2022/23 to 2027/28

Decision

The Director of Finance agrees to award a contract for the Council to Grant Thornton LLP. This will be for a five year term and is to commence subject to contract in June 2023

Reasons for the decision

A detailed specification of requirements was issued in May 2023 and a tender exercise undertaken. One bids was received. The bid was scored on a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) basis with Grant Thornton LLP meeting the necessary requirements and being the highest scoring bidder.

Alternative options considered

The Council requires an Auditor to provide reporting accountant services in order to allow the annual Housing Benefit Subsidy Claim to be processed by Department of Works and Pensions (DWP). No further extension periods were available on the existing contract. Therefore an award needed to be made.  There were no other bidders and those who could have bid notified the Council that they would not due to resourcing capacity.