Tender: Children's Direct Payment Support Service – Cumberland Council (from 1 April 2027)

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Cumberland Council is seeking a supplier for a Children's Direct Payment Support Service under the Procurement Act 2023 Light Touch Regime to provide information, guidance and practical support to all eligible families receiving Direct Payments. The provider must offer choice-driven support across categories, helping families understand how Direct Payments can be used and their responsibilities, including arranging and renewing indemnity insurance where a Personal Assistant is employed, undertaking and renewing DBS checks for Personal Assistants, keeping clear accounts of Direct Payment income and expenditure, and meeting statutory payment duties where applicable. The contract is due to start on 1 April 2027 with an initial 12-month term and one discretionary 12-month extension; the maximum total contract value is £263,867 excluding VAT (this covers the initial term, any extension and potential uplifts) and if services are VAT-exempt VAT must not be charged. Tender documents, clarifications and submissions are managed via the council's procurement portal The Chest and bidders must provide evidence of Find a Tender registration with their submission and follow the Invitation to Tender for deadlines and full requirements.