Decision

The Portfolio Holder for Resources has decided to procure and award a contract for Housing Benefit Payment Assurance services.

Analysis

outcome: The Portfolio Holder for Resources has authorized the procurement and awarding of contracts for HBAP audit services for the Council for a period of 4 years.

summary: The decision is to procure and award a contract for Housing Benefit Payment Assurance services.

topline: The Portfolio Holder for Resources has decided to procure and award a contract for Housing Benefit Payment Assurance services.

reason_contentious: This issue is not particularly contentious as it is primarily focused on meeting statutory requirements and ensuring efficient financial management.

affected_stakeholders: ["Council", "Assistant Director - Finance", "Head of Procurement", "Head(s) of Legal Services"]

contentiousness_score: 2

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.ipswich.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1423

Decision Maker: Portfolio Holder: Resources

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek approval to procure and award a contract for Housing Benefit Payment Assurance services.

Content: To seek approval to procure and award a contract for Housing Benefit Payment Assurance services. That the Portfolio Holder for Resources:   14.1       Authorises the Assistant Director - Finance, in consultation with the Head of Procurement and Head(s) of Legal Services, to progress with the procurement for HBAP audit services via a compliant process.   Reason: This will allow the Council to secure an appropriately qualified auditor to meet statutory requirements.   Subject to 14.1, the Portfolio Holder for Resources:   14.2       Authorises the Assistant Director - Finance, in consultation with the Head of Procurement and Head(s) of Legal Services, to award contracts for HBAP audit services for the Council for a period of 4 years, with the option to extend the contract for two additional 12-month periods provided:   a)    It is within the budget set out in paragraph 10.2 of the report OR: b)    It is within the overall external audit budget detailed in paragraph 10.5 of the report.   Reason: To enable the award of the contracts with the minimum of delay

Date of Decision: August 12, 2026