To approve the specification to be able to go out to tender for an information and advice service for Tendring for a period of three years with a possible one year plus one year extension at price points of £50,000 or £100,000 or £150,000 per year.

Following an assessment of need it has been identified that there is a continuing demand for an information and advice service to support improving income and opportunity as residents face increased challenges associated with deprivation. The specification is to be used to go out to tender for an information and advice service.

The Council could choose not to undertake the procurement of an information and advice service although an assessment of need has identified there is a demand. The Council has previously allocated funding to information and advice services and if no further provision is offered this may leave significant need among our communities not being addressed.