That the Director of Adult and Community Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing, Finance and Corporate Services, be given delegated authority until February 2028, to award contracts for general repairs and maintenance for temporary accommodation and housing standards, using the successful bidders identified through the Procurement process for Lot 2 of the Framework of Contractors for Disabled Facility Grant (DFG) Works and Maintenance and Repairs.

Rapid and easy access to approved contractors via a Framework, following further competitive tender for works, enables an expedient response to address housing quality and safety issues in properties, to protect life and prevent homelessness.

No other options were considered.  If the contact is not awarded, existing procedures will remain by obtaining quotes from contractors. The Framework aims to ensure that the Council is legally compliant through the total value of any contract awarded to any one provider. It also aids expediency in accessing contractors and ensuring that all appropriate British Safety Standards, Codes of Practice are DBS requirements are in place.

This decision will come into force and may be implemented on 18 December 2023 unless the call-in procedure is triggered (as set out in the Standing Orders in relation to Overview and Scrutiny).

A tender process to establish a Framework Agreement to provide a list of contractors to undertake DFG work was underway.  In addition, it was proposed that a separate Lot be added, so that this Framework of Contractors can be used across Community and Customer Services and wider Directorates to undertake maintenance and repairs as required on residential properties owned or leased by the Council.

It was the intention that the Framework be accessed to undertake works in default (under legal notice) by Community and Customer services and in the maintenance and repairs of temporary accommodation if required.

At the meeting Councillor Tyerman proposed and Councillor Bye seconded a motion that was agreed unanimously by the Cabinet, as set out above.

None.