URL: https://cumberland.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=827

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder - Financial Planning and Assets

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The portfolio holder for Financial Planning and Assets is being asked to authorise the award of two standalone service concession contracts for Enforcement Agency Services, following a below-threshold open procurement process advertised on “The Chest”. The enforcement agency services procured will cover Council Tax, Business Rates, as well as the collection of Housing Benefit Overpayments and Sundry (accounts receivable) debts on behalf of the Public Health, Customer and Community Wellbeing Directorate. The contracts will run for an initial term of two years, unless terminated earlier in line with the contract terms and conditions. The Council has the option to extend either contract for up to two additional periods of 12 months each, subject to the successful delivery of required outcomes. The estimated maximum potential value of both contracts over the full 4 years, (including all extension options) is £1.6 million. This figure is not guaranteed, as the actual value will depend on the fees applied to debtor accounts and collected. The Council is responsible for paying the VAT associated with these fees.

Content: The portfolio holder for Financial Planning and Assets is being asked to authorise the award of two standalone service concession contracts for Enforcement Agency Services, following a below-threshold open procurement process advertised on “The Chest”. The enforcement agency services procured will cover Council Tax, Business Rates, as well as the collection of Housing Benefit Overpayments and Sundry (accounts receivable) debts on behalf of the Public Health, Customer and Community Wellbeing Directorate. The contracts will run for an initial term of two years, unless terminated earlier in line with the contract terms and conditions. The Council has the option to extend either contract for up to two additional periods of 12 months each, subject to the successful delivery of required outcomes. The estimated maximum potential value of both contracts over the full 4 years, (including all extension options) is £1.6 million. This figure is not guaranteed, as the actual value will depend on the fees applied to debtor accounts and collected. The Council is responsible for paying the VAT associated with these fees.

Date of Decision: May 12, 2026