Decision details
Authority to procure the Debt Resolution Service using a Framework Agreement (Non-Key Officer Recordable Decision)
Decision Maker: Director - Resident Services
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
Purpose:
This decision concerns the procurement of the Debt Resolution Service and seeks approval to use a framework to procure the Debt Resolution Service as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89 along with relevant pre-tender considerations.
Decision:
(1) To approve Brent Council’s participation in a call-off procedure under the Crown Commercial Service, Debt Resolution Services LOT 5: Enforcement Services RM6226 Framework Agreement for a call off in respect of the Debt Resolution Service.
(2) To confirm that there is sufficient budgetary provision for the proposed call-off contract.
(3) To approve inviting bids under the Framework Agreement for the Debt Resolution Service on the basis of the agreed pre tender considerations.
(4) To approve officersevaluating bids referred to in (3) above on the basis of the agreed evaluation criteria.
Reasons for the decision:
The Council requires the provision of the Debt Resolution Service to assist the Council in meeting its statutory obligations to recover former tenants housing rents, parking, council tax, national don-domestic rates, adult social care client contributions, housing benefit overpayments and sundry debts that are owed to the Council. It has been determined that the most appropriate means of providing the Debt Resolution Service is through the procurement of a contractor by way of a mini-competition under the RM6226 Debt Resolution Service Framework Lot 5 - Enforcement (the “Framework”).
Alternative options considered:
Officers have considered whether the Debt Resolution Service can be provided by the Council itself but have concluded that Debt Resolution Service is best provided by a contractor.
Officers have reviewed a range of procurement options including conducting a tender process but have concluded that the use of the Framework is the most appropriate means of procuring a contractor given the reduction in timescales, costs and resources involved.
The Council gave consideration to the use of Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) Framework which specialises in public sector procurement but concluded that use of the Framework let by Crown Commercial Services was preferable.
Interests and Nature of Interests Declared:
None
Wards Affected: (All Wards);
Cabinet/Committee Decision or Scheme of Delegation: Officer Scheme of Delegation (Part 3 - Constitution) & Contract Standing Orders
Parties Consulted: The Cabinet Memberfor Customers, Communities & Culture has been consulted on the decision.
Contact: Peter Cosgrove, Head of Revenues and Debt Email: Peter.Cosgrove@brent.gov.uk Tel: 020 8937 2307.
Publication date: 24/03/2023
Date of decision: 24/03/2023