---
title: "Debt Collection and Enforcement Services (DCES)"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-86617a18-74c0-4d5d-a1c2-51184794486d"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-86617a18-74c0-4d5d-a1c2-51184794486d"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-86617a18-74c0-4d5d-a1c2-51184794486d.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-86617a18-74c0-4d5d-a1c2-51184794486d.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "MINISTRY OF JUSTICE"
published: "2024-09-13"
---

# Debt Collection and Enforcement Services (DCES)

Buyer: MINISTRY OF JUSTICE  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-86617a18-74c0-4d5d-a1c2-51184794486d

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## Summary

The Ministry of Justice is overseeing a public procurement contract titled "Debt Collection and Enforcement Services (DCES)" under the Crown Court Means Testing (CCMT) programme for the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). This initiative focuses on providing national debt collection and enforcement services for legal aid recipients in Crown Court cases across England and Wales. The procurement process follows an open procedure, seeking bids from suitable service providers. The initial contract was published on 8 November 2023, with the tender period ending on 19 December 2023. The overall contract value is expected to reach £14,000,000, with the service period commencing on 3 February 2025 and concluding on 2 February 2029. Key regions for service delivery include North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, and Wales.

This contract presents a significant opportunity for businesses involved in debt collection and enforcement services, particularly those compliant with government standards on data handling and security, including Cyber Essentials Plus certification. Given the national scope and the long-term engagement, it is particularly advantageous for medium-sized enterprises with experience in law-courts-related administrative services and bailiff operations. The dynamic nature of the legal aid means test policy, due to anticipated review changes, further provides opportunities for businesses adept at system integration and process adaptations. This tender is ideal for companies looking to expand their governmental service portfolios, offering a substantial financial growth opportunity over the 48-month period, with an optional 24-month extension.

## Notice

This contract is for the delivery of Crown Court Means Testing (CCMT) - Debt Collection and Enforcement Services (DCES) for the Legal Aid Agency (LAA). The supplier will provide national debt collection and enforcement services in relation to monies owed by means tested defendants who are in receipt of legal aid in respect of a case to be heard, or a case that has been heard and resulted in a conviction, in the Crown Court. The services covers all Crown Courts in England and Wales. The supplier will be responsible for the collection and enforcement of Legal Aid Contributions which requires case management, collection, enforcement and refund of monies where appropriate. The Supplier must keep individuals fully engaged throughout the lifetime of the debt.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/ee2636e3-e808-4844-a312-5cb2aa35eef1 |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure (above threshold) |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 13 Sep 2024 |
| Submission deadline | 20 Dec 2023 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 7 Aug 2024 |
| Contract period | 3 Feb 2025 - 2 Feb 2029 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £7,900,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £7,900,000 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | MINISTRY OF JUSTICE |
| Locality | LONDON |
| Post town | South West London |
| Postcode | SW1H 9AJ |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLI London |
| ITL 2 | TLI3 Inner London - West |
| ITL 3 | TLI35 Westminster and City of London |
| Local authority | Westminster |
| Electoral ward | St James's |
| Westminster constituency | Cities of London and Westminster |
| Delivery location | TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England), TLL Wales |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | ADVANTIS CREDIT |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 75 - Administration, defence and social security services

### Codes

- 75231100 - Law-courts-related administrative services
- 75242110 - Bailiff services

## Release History

- 13 Sep 2024 at 15:48 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/ee2636e3-e808-4844-a312-5cb2aa35eef1

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/ee2636e3-e808-4844-a312-5cb2aa35eef1
  13th September 2024 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/54fc6abd-42d6-4a06-a55a-db7d53fd69fa
  n/a

## Provenance

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