Direct Award Contract for Household Income Data Access

The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) is directly awarding a 12-month contract to CACI Limited for continued access to the Paycheck household income dataset. This dataset provides modelled estimates of gross household income at individual postcode level and is used by a consortium of Welsh local authorities and partner organisations to support Local Housing Market Assessments, Local Development Plans, Strategic Housing Investment Plans, and Ward profiles. The direct award is justified under Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023 due to technical considerations and the risk of disproportionate operational disruption. The Paycheck dataset is currently embedded in established analytical models and longitudinal datasets used across multiple Welsh authorities. Switching suppliers would require substantial reworking of analytical models, re-baselining of datasets, and revalidation of outputs, resulting in loss of historical comparability and creating significant technical and operational difficulties that could delay statutory planning processes. This is a time-limited bridging arrangement only. During the 12-month contract period, WLGA will undertake a structured review of technical requirements, engage with the market, and prepare a compliant competitive procurement for longer-term provision. The contract duration represents the minimum period necessary to ensure continuity of service while this transition planning work is completed.