Julie Webster, Director of Public Health introduced the report which sought agreement to progress Public Health’s proposed commissioning intentions for information and advice services. It was reported that the service was originally commissioned in 2016 and was due to end on 31 March 2022. Since the service was commissioned, members were advised that there had been several, significant national policy changes such as Universal Credit which had resulted in increased and unprecedented demand for the service, with approximately 60,000 residents accessing the service per year resulting in the service performing at 180% over capacity. There had also been a 40% increase in more complex casework.

Members sought assurances over the guarantee of the funding from Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group due to period of reorganisation with the proposed introduction of the Integrated Care System. A further discussion was had around the increase to the contract value from £946,499 per annum to £1,166,499 per annum, which members were informed was to recognise the increase in numbers and complexity of cases the service was dealing with, alongside the issues relating to Covid-19 which were still present.

Resolved – That

1)  The Director of Public Health be authorised to re-commission the Wirral Information and Advice service totalling up to £2,332,898 (£1,166,449 per annum) for an initial one-year contract (1st April 2022 – 31st March 2023) with the option of a one-year extension.

2)  Delegated authority be given to the Director of Public Health to award the tender to the successful bidder following the tender process.