Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: March 12, 2026

Purpose: To consider the proposal for Citizens Advice Core Funding for 2026/27.

Content: RESOLVED that   a.    the renewal of the existing core services grant to Citizens Advice East Hampshire at £186,000 per annum for the delivery of advice services in East Hampshire be approved; b.    the continuation of funding under a three-year Service Level Agreement commencing 1 April 2026 and ending 31 March 2029, subject to annual review as part of the Council’s budget-setting process be approved; and c.    authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Community, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community Development and Engagement and the Section 151 Officer, to: •       Finalise and enter into the contractual arrangements with Citizens Advice East Hampshire; •       Agree detailed outcomes, monitoring arrangements, and any variations required during the term of the agreement; and •       Release grant payments in instalments subject to satisfactory performance monitoring.   Reasons for the decision   To enter into a new funding agreement with Citizens Advice East Hampshire (CAEH) for the continued delivery of free, confidential, and impartial advice services to residents across East Hampshire. The proposal was to move from the current one-year arrangement to a three-year Service Level Agreement (SLA), with an annual review clause linked to the Council’s budget setting process.   Alternative Options Considered   Option A – Do Nothing No statutory duty exists to fund advice services. However, withdrawal of funding would likely result in service closure, increased demand on statutory services, and negative impacts on vulnerable residents.   Option B – One-Year Extension Maintains current arrangements but offers limited security for CAEH and does not address long-term sustainability. Risk of service reduction remains high.   Option C – Three-Year SLA with Annual Review (Preferred) Provides greater operational stability for CAEH, reducing the risk of service reduction by enabling longer-term planning and more favourable supplier contracts Page 5 of 9 (e.g. telephony and advice systems). Supports continuity during LGR while retaining annual financial control and break clauses for the Council.