Legal advisory and information services

Tender description

This Notice is issued to inform providers of the Contracting Authority's intention to advertise an opportunity in the near future (see II.3 below) for community advice and legal support services. This is not a call for competition. The community advice and legal support services contract(s) will include 3 lots for (1) general community advice; (2) specialist legal advice, casework, and representation; (3) specialist community advice for disabled people (adults and children). Depending upon the outcome of the soft-market consultation exercise (see vi.3) the resultant procurement opportunity will either be as a single consolidated contract or for separate defined lots. It is possible the contract(s) may include the need for the contractor(s) to mutually develop, agree and implement a 10-year Local Community Advice, Legal Support and Training Plan with the Council with other local advice agencies. The Lots as described (including the main and additional CPV codes) are for holding purposes. Provision of advice and information on a wide range of welfare benefits, personal, debt, housing, employment, and similar matters through one-off and on-going and on-going sessions with service users. This will include performance of these services at advice centres, and via assisted self-help at information hubs including libraries and food banks. At the time of placing this Notice, no decision has been taken as to whether it will include management of a local community library and neighbourhood centre, from which general community advice and information services are provided. Provision of specialist legal advice, particularly in respect of tenants and leaseholders' rights on housing matters. This will include referrals from Council departments, end-to-end legal casework, and where required legal representation at court. It will also include the provision of advice and legal support training to volunteers and local voluntary and community organisations. The funding of legal aid work will not, though, be included under the contract. Provision of specialist legal advice and support for ill and disabled residents (adults and children) and their carers. This will include attendance at Personal Independence Panels and Work Capability Assessments, Work Forward Interviews, and Appeal Tribunals. This will include referrals from medical professionals, voluntary organisations, and Council departments providing adult social care, children's services (especially around Special Educational Needs), housing, and public health.