Issue - meetings

1.       That it be agreed that a PA2023 2 stage procurement process for a 4+3 year contract is tendered for Repairs & Maintenance (R&M) Voids, Kitchens, Bathrooms and Decarbonisation.

2.       That the contract(s) for Gas and Electric Test/Inspect & to include repairs and replacement be procured via compliant and competitive procurement route(s); 4+3 year contract.

3.       That the procurement via frameworks for compliance activities include the following:

a.       Asbestos services

b.       Heating services 

c.       Electrical services  

d.       Fire safety

e.       Water hygiene

4.       That the evaluation models are based on 60% quality and 40% cost  to ensure best value for residents and the council.

Councillor Reach introduced the report, explaining the reasons for the revised approach being recommended since the contract renewal was considered at the previous Cabinet meeting on 20 November 2024.

At the invitation of the Deputy Leader, Councillors Horrill and Lee addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below.

Councillor Horrill

Councillor Horrill welcomed the recommendation for the contracts to be split and be for a shorter period.  She asked whether in view of tenants current levels of dissatisfaction with the repairs service in general, the evaluation model should be amended to 70% quality / 30% cost.  She asked a number of other detailed questions including how social value would be assessed in contract negotiations, requested further information on the proposed consultation, the cost model proposed and ensuring compliance with the social housing regulator’s recent judgement.

Councillor Lee

Councillor Lee also referred to the social housing regulator referral and queried whether it would be possible for the contract to be renewed earlier than August 2026.  He asked a number of detailed questions including how value for money for residents would be ensured, how tenants’ views would be incorporated and the potential impact of shorter contracts on increased costs.

Councillor Reach, the Strategic Director and the Project Lead – Repairs and Maintenance responded to the points raised.

Cabinet agreed to the following for the reasons set out in the report and outlined above.

RESOLVED:

1.    That it be agreed that a PA2023 2 stage procurement process for a 4+3 year contract is tendered for Repairs & Maintenance (R&M) Voids, Kitchens, Bathrooms and Decarbonisation.

2.    That the contract(s) for Gas and Electric Test/Inspect & to include repairs and replacement be procured via compliant and competitive procurement route(s); 4+3 year contract.

3.    That the procurement via frameworks for compliance activities include the following:

a.             Asbestos services

b.             Heating services 

c.              Electrical services  

d.             Fire safety

e.             Water hygiene

4.    That the evaluation models are based on 60% quality and 40% cost  to ensure best value for residents and the council.