Agenda item - Permission to Use Crown Commercial Services RM6255 Framework

Report of the Executive Director, Families, Children and Learning (copy attached).

RESOLVED: That the Committee –

(i)             Granted authority to the Executive Director Families, Children and Learning to use the RM6255 Crown Commercial Services Framework Agreement to procure and award an end-to-end retail voucher platform contract(s) to facilitate the distribution of government grants to eligible families and children as detailed within the grant conditions;

(ii)            Granted authority for officers to spend up to £1.0m of government grant funding under the Framework Agreement to provide food, clothing and white goods, fuel vouchers to eligible children and families should further government funding come in 2022.

54.1    The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director Families Children and Learning which requests authority to use the RB6255 Crown Commercial Services Framework Agreement to procure an end-to-end retail voucher platform contract(s) for the distribution of government grants to residents (food, clothing, white goods, fuel) including food vouchers to families with children eligible for free school meals, who qualify for free childcare places, are eligible for Early Years Pupil Premium, use the children’s centre food bank or are in similar circumstances.  The report was introduced by the Head of School Organisation.

54.2    Cllr Meadows referred to page 86 of the agenda which stated “Officers are seeking authority to spend up to £1m of government grant funding under the framework agreement to provide food, clothing white goods and fuel vouchers to eligible children and families”.  She asked why this was not listed as a recommendation and proposed this sentence be moved to 2.2. of the report.  This recommendation was seconded by Councillor Brown. 

54.3    RESOLVED:  That the Committee:

(i)      Agree to the recommendation as set out by Councillor Meadows;

(ii)     Grant authority to the Executive Director Families, Children and Learning to use the RM6255 Crown Commercial Services Framework Agreement to procure and award an end-to-end retail voucher platform contract(s) to facilitate the distribution of government grants to eligible families and children as detailed within the grant conditions;

(iii)    Grant authority for officers to spend up to £1.0m of government grant funding under the Framework Agreement to provide food, clothing and white goods, fuel vouchers to eligible children and families should further government funding come in 2022.