Decision details

13.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report recommending that the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) repairs and Maintenance service is procured in the open market to seek a contractor to deliver this service post-April 2014 for a duration of 3 years with an option to extend by up to a further 2 years depending on a value for money assessment.

13.2

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:-

(a)

approves the procurement of a contractor, by way of a competitive tender and advertised in the OJEU via the restricted procedure, to deliver the services that form part of the housing repairs and maintenance contract, as outlined in paragraph 1.2 of the report, from 1 April 2014;

(b)

delegates to the Director of Commercial Services, Executive Director, Place and Executive Director, Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration the authority to agree which option to proceed with in terms of providing overall value for money;

(c)

approves the proposed key attributes to be contained in the proposed contract as outlined in section 6 of the report;

(d)

requests that the statutory leaseholder consultation by Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 as amended by the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act is adhered to and approved;

(e)

resolves that the bidders need to comply with TUPE and the Sheffield City Council Code of Good Practice on Workforce Matters in Local Authority Service Contracts. The transferee organisation (primary service provider) will be responsible for the observance of the Code by the new employer. The contract should provide the opportunity for Third Parties  (for example School/Trusts/Registered Social Landlords to have a “Call Off” arrangement based on a “% procurement contribution fee;

(f)

requests that the Council undertake an independent and concurrent quality assurance review of the process majoring on how best to minimise risk and to ensure that we deliver the desired outcome; and

(g)

grants delegated powers to the Director of Commercial Services or his nominated representative, in conjunction with the Director of Resources and Director of Housing, to ensure delivery of the stated objectives, including if required varying the requirements of this contract in relation to the outcome of the independent quality assurance review (subject to being within approved budget limits), accept tenders and award a Contract for this Project.

13.3

Reasons for Decision

13.3.1

The current contract for housing repairs and maintenance expires in April 2014 and this service needs to be re-let on the open market to secure a new contract in accordance with the Council’s Contracts Standing Orders and the European Union Procurement Rules (which will be adhered to throughout the procurement). The tender process will be competitive and follow the principles of transparency and non-discrimination, and facilitate the achievement of value for money.

13.3.2

To maximise value for money and deliver an excellent repairs and maintenance service in the context of a challenging housing financial regime and current economic climate.

13.3.3

To provide a future opportunity to in-source this service and develop a fully integrated Housing and Repairs Service.

13.3.5

This service will contribute to making neighbourhoods a great place to live by ensuring that repairs and maintenance are carried out with due attention to customer care, health and safety and ‘right first time’.

13.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

13.4.1

No alternatives were considered or rejected.

13.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

13.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

13.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place

1.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Safer and Stronger Communities