Decision
Analysis
outcome: Recommendations Approved
summary: The decision is about awarding a contract for emergency support through furniture and white goods provision.
topline: The Director of Finance has decided to award a contract for emergency support through furniture and white goods provision.
reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves awarding a contract to a specific company, potentially excluding other providers.
affected_stakeholders: ["Wirral residents in crisis", "Furniture Resource Centre Ltd"]
contentiousness_score: 6
political_party_relevance: No mention of political parties or political influence on the decision.
URL: https://democracy.wirral.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6039
Decision Maker: Director of Finance
Outcome: Recommendations Approved
Is Key Decision?: No
Is Callable In?: No
Purpose:
Content: The Director of Finance has decided to award a contract with effect from 1 July 2025 for a term of 12 months to the Furniture Resource Centre Ltd in respect of the provision of emergency support by way of furniture and white goods provision through a direct award via the Procurement for Housing Framework Lot 1 to a value of £250,000. The Furniture Resource Centre Ltd offers both value for money and quality in their provision, of unused goods, together with an assured delivery and instalment service (where appropriate). This decision primarily supports the continued delivery of the authority's Emergency Financial Support' scheme together with key strands of its Household Support Fund Delivery Plan. Both of which support Wirral residents facing crisis, or other (financial hardship and is application based). Recycled white goods and furniture have previously been considered as an alternative provision. However, they would fail to sufficiently meet the specified need and appropriate levels of assurance. Any alternative in meeting this need would be 'payment' based and is not feasible. There is not an alternative option to end the provision, whilst the schemes continue to operate and the service user need remains evident. The decision has been taken under Part 3 Section C - Overview and Scheme of Delegations of Authority to Officers as the decision is not reserved to a Committee or Sub-Committee and the Director is satisfied that paragraphs 2(a) to 2(c) apply. Background Papers Household Support Fund 2025 – 2026 Director of Finance report to P & R (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Policy and Resources Committee, 26/06/2025 18:00
Date of Decision: June 30, 2025