Decision

The Director of
Finance has approved the award of a contract with a 3 month terms
with an option to extend for a further 3 months for revenues and
benefits processing and call handling to Civica UK Limited via the
Crown Commercial Services Lot 2 - Cloud 14 Framework Agreement -
RM1557.14 /G with a maximum contract value of £219, 470 based
on a 6 month contract term.

Reasons for the decision

The new Council Tax
Reduction Scheme increases the amount of Council Tax low income,
working age households will have to pay, with many having a
liability for the first time since the scheme was originally
introduced. The change saw a significant spike in demand at main
billing, the same is expected as the Council contacts those who are
in arrears, seeking payment. 
 
The appointment of
Civica UK Ltd to provide services of revenues and benefits
processing and call handling will 
provide  the Council with additional
capacity to manage the anticipated, significant increase in
customer contact and demand as the Council initiates the first
fully recovery cycle since the introduction of its new Council Tax
Reduction Scheme.
 

Alternative options considered

The
alternative is not to procure further support.  This has been considered and the anticipated
detrimental impact on service delivery evaluated.