Decision

The Director of
Finance has decided to award a contract with effect from 1 July
2025 for a term of 12 months to the Furniture Resource Centre Ltd
in respect of the provision of emergency support by way of
furniture and white goods provision through a direct award via the
Procurement for Housing Framework Lot 1 to a value of
£250,000.

Reasons for the decision

The Furniture Resource
Centre Ltd offers both value for money and quality in their
provision, of unused goods, together with an assured delivery and
instalment service (where appropriate).

This decision primarily supports the continued delivery of the
authority's Emergency Financial Support' scheme together with key
strands of its Household Support Fund Delivery Plan. Both of which
support Wirral residents facing crisis, or other (financial
hardship and is application based).

Alternative options considered

Recycled white goods
and furniture have previously been considered as an alternative
provision. However, they would fail to sufficiently meet the
specified need and appropriate levels of assurance.

Any alternative in meeting this need would be 'payment' based and
is not feasible.

There is not an alternative option to end the provision, whilst the
schemes continue to operate and the service user need remains
evident.