An advice service has commissioned by Tendring District Council (TDC) in a deal worth up to half-a-million pounds with Citizens Advice Tendring (CAT).

TDC is funding an Information and Advice Service with the local provider following an open-tender exercise.

Helping residents with a range of issues, from finances to employment, and housing to benefits, the free, confidential and impartial service will offer face-to-face sessions in Harwich, Frinton and Clacton, as well as online advice for residents throughout the district.

Members of the CAT team can help by identifying people’s problems, give information and explain options, and support them to solve their issues – along with potentially signposting them to other relevant services.

The service replaces previous grant funding given by the council to CAT, giving better contract management for TDC to ensure value for taxpayers and ensuring compliance with new national rules around contracts.

It also means the funding is in place for three years, with the option of two further single-year extensions, instead of CAT having to rely on annual funding decisions. With the contract at £100,000 per year, it means the deal is worth up to £500,000.

Gina Placey, TDC Cabinet Member for Partnerships, said the service would help some of the most vulnerable people in Tendring.

“Citizens Advice Tendring offer a wealth of support for people facing any number of issues, and we know how invaluable this information and advice can be, so we are pleased their bid was successful through the tender process and look forward to continuing our work with CAT,” Councillor Placey added.

“By funding this service over a period of years, we hope to help improve the quality of life for people across the district.”

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