Decision
To appoint Lloyds Banking Group to provide the Merchant Acquiring Services for a period of 3 years with an option to extend for a further 2 years.
Reasons for recommendations
Lloyds Banking Group have demonstrated through a competitive tender process that has been evaluated on a cost and quality basis, that they offer value for money, have the necessary skills and experience and that they will provide social value.
Other options considered and rejected
To award the contract to another contractor. This has been rejected as the robust competitive tender process has demonstrated that Lloyds Banking Group offered a tender that met the council’s criteria.