Decision Maker: Cabinet
Decision status: Decision made
Is Key decision?: Yes
Is subject to call in?: Yes
This paper will seek approval from Cabinet to
proceed with the recommissioning of General and Debt Advice
services in Medway.
Relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee: All
36/2010 The Cabinet agreed to proceed with the
commissioning of advice services in Medway on the basis of option 4
in the report.
Commissioning advice services is important in
supporting Medway citizens that may have been adversely affected by
the economic downturn. It enables the Council to be confident about
the need to reshape the market in terms of generalist advice.
Supporting citizens through the provision of these services will in
turn support the local economy, and through prevention, reduce the
likelihood of demand for other more costly services. The delivery
of these services using volunteers in addition to paid staff will
ensure that those people who find themselves unemployed have an
opportunity to maintain and develop their employability skills.This
option will ensure service continuity for general advice services
across Medway whilst the market is being developed and will enable
officers to gain a greater understanding of the outcomes and
impacts of implementing the CLAC/CLAN model for future
commissioning purposes. A competitive process for specialist advice
will enable, smaller organisations with specific expertise to enter
the market and to develop during the life of their contract. This
will also enable more targeted support and advice with regards to
debt and domestic violence.Option 4 will ensure that best value is
achieved for the Council and taxpayers. It will also ensure that
Medway citizens have excellent, expert advice that will support
them in managing challenging areas of their lives.
Publication date: 16/02/2010
Date of decision: 16/02/2010
Decided at meeting: 16/02/2010 - Cabinet
Effective from: 25/02/2010
Accompanying Documents: