Direct Payment and Pre paid Cards and appointeeship bank accounts

Description

The Council is looking to increase the use of Direct Payments to individuals who are eligible for Adult Social Care Services. We are looking to explore prepaid cards and appointeeship bank accounts which link to the pre-paid cards. The prepaid cards must have the following functionalities: - Be reloadable with funds from the Council - Have PIN protection for security - Allow for Council Staff to log in and manage top ups - Be secure, ensuring transactions monitoring and reporting - Allow the Council to reclaim a build of money should this be needed - Restrictions on the use of the card, for example restricting the use of ATM cash withdrawals. Lot 1: The service will involve the provision of a pre paid card and appointeeship bank accounts which link to the pre paid cards with the following key features: 1. Pre paid card functionality - Cards must be reloadable by the Council - Designed for use by those in receipt of Adult Social Care Services or a nominated individual 2. Security Features - PIN Protection for all transactions - Ability to restrict transactions to specific merchant categories (e.g no ATM withdrawals, no gambling or alcohol purchases) 3. Council Management Portal - A secure online platform must be provided be provided for Council Staff to: - Top up funds onto cards - Monitor transactions in real time - Set spend limits or restrictions 4. Timely Income Management - Funds must be available to users immediately upon top up - Preferably secure integration with councils systems for payment tracking 5. Transaction Monitoring & Reporting - Secure web-based portal for real time transaction monitoring - Transaction data must be assessable in multiple formats, preferably in multiple formats but at a minimum must have CSV. 6. Scalability and Flexibility - The solution must accommodate fluctuating demand - Ability to issue additional cards as needed Additional information: The Council wishes to continue fulfilling its current services to the same high standard, though recognises the need to engage with the innovative providers within the market to better understand the wider offer which may be available in an ever developing area. If you are interested in any further discussions regarding this notice please contact Kelly.mountford@stoke.gov.uk and gabriella.brown@stoke.gov.uk with the reference pre paid cards and appointeeship bank accounts.