Lewisham Advice Services

Description

The Council intends to commission a single, integrated Advice Service operating borough wide. The service is expected to provide information, advice and guidance on matters including welfare benefits, debt, housing, immigration and wider cost of living pressures, and to: • Support financial resilience and wellbeing through timely, high-quality advice that helps residents maximise income, manage debt, secure housing and avoid escalation into crisis. • Provide accessible, multi-channel access, maintaining high volume routes (such as telephone and digital) alongside face to face and outreach provision. • Reach those most in need through targeted outreach and early intervention, particularly for residents facing barriers to access. • Build community capacity, with the commissioned provider acting as a strategic lead for borough wide, community led advice, working in partnership with smaller and specialist VCS organisations and offering capacity building support such as "advice first aid". Contract details Estimated contract value: up to £950,000 per annum • Estimated contract term: 2 years from April 2027, with the option to extend up to a maximum of 3 years, subject to funding availability and performance • Procurement timetable: anticipated to open July 2026 • Service commencement: 1 April 2027