Oldham Advice Services

Description

Oldham Council currently provides and grant funds several financial inclusion services supporting multiple levels of need from low level issues to complex advice and guidance. Moving forwards and supported by the Crisis and Resilience Fund (CRF) provided by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) from 1 April 2026, we will improve and consolidate the offer to residents, making it easier to access timely and resident-focused support and advice with a one front door approach wherever possible. The current grant agreement is due to end on 31 March 2026 however there is a 6 month extension to the current contract to enable a formal tender process. Moving forwards, it is preferable to move from annual grant funding agreements to a commissioned partner model via a procurement exercise. This provides a longer-term funding commitment providing stability for both the Council, residents and the provider. It also brings the Council in line with other authorities and means that service quality and performance can be robustly defined and managed through an established contract, service specification and performance framework. The commissioned service offer will include all levels of financial advice including personal budgeting and income maximisation, debt advice and energy and consumer advice. They will also continue to provide legal and advice services across a range of other issues such as housing, employment, family etc. The provider will also fulfil a role to quality assure and provide training and guidance across the borough to ensure a consistency of advice across the public and Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sectors. Lastly, they will also work with the Council to establish, maintain and nurture a financial inclusion offer that is well communicated and significantly easier for residents, elected members, services and partners to navigate. The Council will retain the design and delivery of crisis schemes and grant funding.