Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Service Delivery, (copy enclosed)

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Service Delivery providing an update on the Advice Service Contract after year two of the three year contract. 

The report provided background information regarding and highlighted some of the successes of the Advice Services Contract which Maldon Citizens Advice commenced with on 1 April 2016.  It was noted that an extended and enhanced service had been delivered with recognition through the annual external audit of the high levels of service and quality of advice.  An extension of the current contract until 31 March 2020 had been approved and a decision regarding future commissioning of an Advice Service would be subject to Members consideration as part of the 2019 / 20 Strategic Financial Planning process.

A debate ensued during which Members commented on the importance of and current service provided by Maldon Citizens Advice in addition to the need to ensure value for money.  The factual nature of the report was commented on and the Director of Service Delivery advised that this had been measured against specifications that the Council had agreed to.  The figures showed a positive trend in terms of Citizens Advice working with the Council.

Members’ were advised that reference to Unique Client referred to an individual case being dealt with by Citizens Advice.

RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.