Issue - meetings

Cllr Stephen Davies sought Cabinet approval for delegated authority to procure Local Welfare Support Services and Emergency Welfare Support Services.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years to:

1. Conduct an appropriate form of competitive procurement process (to be determined by the said Executive Director) under which Gloucestershire County Council shall procure Local Welfare Support Services and Emergency Welfare Support Services that will provide support and/or assistance to vulnerable adults and families in Gloucestershire by means of predominantly non-cash awards such as household items, clothing, recycled goods, food vouchers and fuel vouchers; The proposed contracting arrangements shall continue for a period of up to 5 years.

2. To award, subject to the financial restrictions set out in the Resourcing Implications section of this report below, as many contracts as may be required by the Council for the provision of Local Welfare Support Services and Emergency Welfare Support Services.

9.1 Cllr Stephen Davies sought Cabinet approval to delegate authority for the procurement of Local Welfare Support Services and Emergency Welfare Support Services.

9.2 The recommendation to re-procure both services was in response to the cessation of the current Gloucestershire Local Welfare Support Scheme Contract and Emergency Welfare Framework on 19 October 2024. No further extension options existed under the current contract. The preferred option of offering support going forwards was to retain the existing mix of support available to service users of both e-vouchers and physical goods and services.

9.3 Continuing to provide essential support to the most vulnerable families through the Local Welfare Support Scheme is critical to prevent families spiralling into longer term crisis, especially at a time when other welfare support grants such as the Household Support Fund is likely to reduce or end.

9.4 The contract award of Local Welfare Services is not expected to exceed £2.6m over a 5-year period.

9.5 The current cost of providing Emergency Welfare Services is approximately £4.6m per annum, funded through the Household Support Fund Grant awarded at £7.2m per annum. The continuity of funding beyond September 2024 is yet to be confirmed by the Department of Work and Pensions. It was noted that the Emergency Welfare Scheme would only be used should additional funding be made available, (either from grant funding or Gloucestershire County Council resources). Any contracts awarded in relation to Emergency Welfare services were not expected to exceed £23m over a 5-year period.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years to:

1.    Conduct an appropriate form of competitive procurement process (to be determined by the said Executive Director) under which Gloucestershire County Council shall procure Local Welfare Support Services and Emergency Welfare Support Services that will provide support and/or assistance to vulnerable adults and families in Gloucestershire by means of predominantly non-cash awards such as household items, clothing, recycled goods, food vouchers and fuel vouchers; The proposed contracting arrangements shall continue for a period of up to 5 years.

2.    Award, subject to the financial restrictions set out in the Resourcing Implications section of this report below, as many contracts as may be required by the Council for the provision of Local Welfare Support Services and Emergency Welfare Support Services.