Award

Delivering and Evaluating Support for Low-income Residents in Southwark

LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

24 Jun 2025 at 10:39

Summary of the contracting process

The London Borough of Southwark has awarded a contract under its guidance services category to the Centre for Responsible Credit (CfRC). This contract falls under the industry classification of 'services' and is a part of the Breakthrough project, focusing on supporting low-income residents in Southwark through the Household Support Fund. This procurement reached the award stage on 24th June 2025 and was conducted through a restricted procedure due to the specific expertise required, with CfRC positioned as a single supplier to expedite the project's implementation. The primary location for service delivery is the UKI44 region, aligning with the council’s economic affairs objectives.

This tender offers an excellent opportunity for businesses specializing in financial consultancy, social research, and community support services. Companies with capabilities in providing targeted financial interventions and partnerships with local authorities would be particularly well-suited to engage in similar projects. With an emphasis on public sector collaborations and comprehensive service delivery, businesses that align with social value and impact-led initiatives are positioned to leverage the outcomes of this project for future opportunities in local government contracts or related service sectors.

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Notice Title

Delivering and Evaluating Support for Low-income Residents in Southwark

Notice Description

The Centre for Responsible Credit ('CfRC') has been commissioned by Southwark Council deliver and evaluate the impact of the Breakthrough project. Breakthrough is an experimental action research project targeting foodbank users with additional monthly income boosts made from the Household Support Fund ('HSF') over a ten-month period. The project is evaluating how these - together with possible Council debt write downs and advice on benefits and debt issues from Citizens Advice Southwark - impact foodbank use, payment behaviours, and the wellbeing of residents.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The Centre for Responsible Credit (CfRC) will continue to deliver a comprehensive suite of services aimed at supporting low-income residents in Southwark. These services are designed to provide both immediate financial relief and long-term stability for vulnerable households, and will be delivered in partnership with Citizens Advice Southwark. CfRC will oversee the overall delivery and evaluation of the programme, ensuring that all components are effectively coordinated and that outcomes are rigorously assessed. Their role includes managing the project timeline, liaising with delivery partners, and producing a final evaluation report that captures the impact of the intervention. This evaluation will be critical in understanding the effectiveness of the support provided and in informing future policy and service design. Citizens Advice Southwark, working under CfRC's coordination, will be responsible for the direct delivery of advice and casework services. This includes verifying household income, offering tailored benefit and debt advice, and assisting residents in completing detailed income and expenditure statements. These activities are essential for assessing the affordability of financial arrangements and ensuring that residents receive the full benefit of the support available. The services will also include the provision of income boost payments, which are designed to alleviate immediate financial pressures. Although these payments are funded separately through the Household Support Fund, they are a central component of the support model. The project will ensure that all participants receive a full ten-month cycle of support, including financial advice and income supplementation. The project will be monitored through regular reporting to the Breakthrough Project Board, which includes representatives from CfRC, Southwark Council, and Citizens Advice Southwark. This board will meet monthly to review progress, manage risks, and ensure that delivery remains aligned with agreed milestones. The approach is designed to be adaptive, with clear communication channels enabling timely responses to emerging issues. In terms of community impact, the services provided by CfRC are expected to enhance financial and emotional stability among low-income households. Expectations include reductions in foodbank reliance and rent arrears, as well as improvements in wellbeing and reduced anxiety. The project also aligns with the Council's Public Sector Equality Duty by supporting residents from protected groups and promoting fairness and inclusion. This procurement represents a holistic and responsive approach to tackling financial hardship in Southwark, with a strong emphasis on partnership working, rigorous evaluation, and sustained support for those most in need.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-055270
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034668-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Restricted procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

85312310 - Guidance services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£99,999 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
24 Jun 20258 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
6 May 20259 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
LONDON BOROUGH OF SOUTHWARK
Contact Name
Mr Jake Tobin
Contact Email
jake.tobin@southwark.gov.uk
Contact Phone
+44 2075254074

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SE1 2QH
Post Town
South East London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI44 Lewisham and Southwark
Delivery Location
TLI44 Lewisham and Southwark

Local Authority
Southwark
Electoral Ward
London Bridge & West Bermondsey
Westminster Constituency
Bermondsey and Old Southwark

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

CENTRE FOR RESPONSIBLE CREDIT

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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