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Insolvency Practitioner Services

Stoke-on-Trent City Council

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

28 Sep 2026 at 08:40

UK4 - Tender Notice
Planning

23 Sep 2026 at 10:59

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Stoke-on-Trent City Council is seeking a specialist insolvency practitioner to pursue debts owed to the Council after standard recovery methods have been exhausted. The service covers personal bankruptcy, corporate winding-up petitions and insolvency matters involving deceased debtors and insolvent estates. The provider will assess cases, advise on appropriate and proportionate action, prepare statutory documents, support legal proceedings and manage cases through to recovery. Debts include unpaid Council Tax, Business Rates and sundry debts. The work also includes case administration, correspondence and records, progress monitoring, management reporting, financial reconciliation and audit trails. The purpose is to maximise recovery of public funds, reduce losses from irrecoverable debts and ensure insolvency action complies with relevant law and professional standards. Services are for Stoke-on-Trent City Council in Stoke-on-Trent.

The Council invited offers through an open procedure, with one lot covering the service. The enquiry deadline was 12 October 2026 at 23:59 UK time, and the tender submission deadline was 26 October 2026 at 12:00 UTC. The stated contract period runs from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2029; the award decision was due by 1 December 2026. The estimated gross value is £460,000. Bids may be submitted electronically in English. Evaluation is weighted 50% commercial, 40% quality and 10% social value. The opportunity is for services and is above the relevant procurement threshold.

This requirement suits insolvency practitioners able to handle a varied portfolio of complex personal, corporate and estate cases, ideally with demonstrable experience for local authorities or other public sector bodies. Providers need the capacity to progress cases efficiently from initial assessment and advice through legal action, administration and recovery. Relevant capability includes investigating debtor finances and assets, preparing statutory demands and petitions, working with legal representatives and courts, and advising on recovery prospects and risks. The provider must hold the licences, authorisations and professional accreditations required for insolvency work in the UK, and work in line with applicable legislation, regulations, case law and professional standards. Strong case management, clear stakeholder communication, accurate financial reconciliation, regular performance reporting and auditable records are also central to delivery.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Insolvency Practitioner Services

Notice Description

Stoke-on-Trent City Council requires the provision of specialist Insolvency Practitioner services to support the recovery of outstanding debts owed to the Council where all standard and conventional debt recovery methods have been exhausted. The appointed provider will act on behalf of the Council to manage and progress complex insolvency cases involving both individuals and corporate entities, with the aim of maximising debt recovery while ensuring full compliance with relevant legislation and professional standards. The service will support the Council's statutory responsibility to collect public funds, including unpaid Council Tax, National Non-Domestic Rates (Business Rates), and Sundry Debts. The successful provider will be expected to deliver a comprehensive end-to-end insolvency service, offering expert advice, case assessment, legal support, administration, and recovery actions throughout the insolvency process. The scope of services includes, but is not limited to, the following: Personal Bankruptcy Proceedings The provider shall assess individual debtor cases and, where appropriate, initiate and manage bankruptcy proceedings. This includes conducting financial investigations, preparing and submitting statutory documentation, liaising with legal representatives and the Insolvency Service, attending hearings where required, and providing recommendations to the Council regarding the viability and anticipated outcomes of bankruptcy action. Corporate Winding-Up Petitions The provider shall manage insolvency proceedings against limited companies and other corporate bodies with outstanding debts owed to the Council. Services will include reviewing case suitability, issuing statutory demands, preparing and presenting winding-up petitions, instructing legal representatives where necessary, attending court proceedings, and overseeing subsequent insolvency processes to maximise recovery opportunities. Estate Insolvency Matters The provider shall advise on and manage cases involving deceased debtors where insolvent estates are identified. This may include conducting asset investigations, engaging with executors, administrators, solicitors, and probate practitioners, assessing the Council's position as a creditor, and undertaking any recovery actions considered appropriate within the legal framework governing insolvent estates. The provider shall offer specialist professional advice to the Council on the suitability of insolvency action in individual cases. This includes reviewing debtor circumstances, identifying potential risks and recovery prospects, advising on legal options, and recommending the most effective and proportionate course of action to achieve the best financial outcome for the Council. The provider shall maintain effective case management arrangements throughout the duration of each matter. This will include maintaining accurate case records, managing all correspondence and documentation, monitoring progress against agreed milestones, and ensuring timely progression of cases through the relevant insolvency procedures. The provider shall supply regular management information and performance reports to the Council. Reports should include details of cases received, actions undertaken, outcomes achieved, monies recovered, costs incurred, and case status updates. The provider will also be responsible for ensuring accurate financial reconciliation of all recovered funds, fees, distributions, and disbursements, supported by transparent audit trails. All services must be delivered in accordance with applicable insolvency legislation, associated regulations, case law, professional standards, and best practice guidance. The provider must hold all necessary licences, authorisations, and professional accreditations required to undertake insolvency work in the United Kingdom. The provider shall also ensure compliance with the Council's policies, procedures, governance requirements, and information security standards. The provider will be expected to work collaboratively with Council officers, legal services, external legal representatives, insolvency bodies, courts, and other stakeholders as required. Clear communication, responsiveness, and professional conduct will be essential throughout the contract period. The primary objectives of the service are to: Maximise recovery of outstanding debts owed to the Council. Deliver cost-effective and proportionate insolvency solutions. Provide expert professional advice in complex recovery cases. Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements. Maintain accurate, transparent, and auditable financial records. Reduce financial losses arising from irrecoverable debts. Support the Council in protecting public funds and maintaining effective debt recovery arrangements. The Council is seeking a provider with demonstrable experience in delivering insolvency services for local authorities or other public sector organisations, with the capacity and expertise to manage a varied portfolio of personal, corporate, and estate insolvency cases efficiently and effectively.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-077858
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/091231-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

79110000 - Legal advisory and representation services

79211000 - Accounting services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£460,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£460,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Sep 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
26 Oct 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
28 Sep 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Dec 2026 - 30 Nov 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Stoke-on-Trent City Council
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
STOKE-ON-TRENT
Postcode
ST4 1HH
Postcode Area
Stoke-on-Trent
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG2 Shropshire and Staffordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG23 Stoke-on-Trent
Delivery Location
TLG23 Stoke-on-Trent
Local Authority
Stoke-on-Trent
Electoral Ward
Hartshill Park & Stoke
Westminster Constituency
Stoke-on-Trent Central

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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