Issue - meetings

This report concerns the outcome of the tender for the housing repairs and maintenance contract which expires 31 March 2025. This report requests authority to award contracts as required by Contract Standing Order 88 and summarises the process undertaken in tendering these contracts.

Cabinet RESOLVED

(1)       To approve the award the contract for Lot 1 Responsive Repairs to Wates Property Services Limited for a term of five years plus an option to extend for three years and one further two year extension for the estimated annual value detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

(2)       To approve the award the contract for Lot 2 Planned Works to Wates Property Services Limited for a term of five years plus an option to extend for three years and one further two year extension for the estimated annual value detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

(3)       To approve the award the contract for Lot 3 Voids Repairs to Wates Property Services Limited for a term of five years plus an option to extend for three years and one further two year extension for the estimated annual value detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

(4)       To approve the award the contract for Lot 4 Responsive Repairs to Masher Brothers Limited for a term of five years plus an option to extend for three years and one further two year extension for the estimated annual value detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

(5)       To approve the award the contract for Lot 5 Planned Works to Mears Limited for a term of five years plus an option to extend for three years and one further two year extension for the estimated annual value detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

(6)       To approve the award the contract for Lot 6 Voids Repairs to Greyline Group Limited for a term of five years plus an option to extend for three years and one further two year extension for the estimated annual value detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report.

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 17 February 25

Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Housing & Resident Services) introduced a report from the Corporate Director Partnerships. Housing & Resident Services detailing the outcome of a procurement exercise for the Housing Repairs & Maintenance contracts and seeking authority to award the new contracts.

In presenting the report, Councillor Donnelly-Jackson began by recognising the importance of the housing repairs and maintenance service for residents across the borough and as part of the Council’s commitment to improving tenant satisfaction measures. Highlighting the role that safe, well maintained and sustainable housing provision played as a foundation of strong and thriving communities members were advised how the proposals for future delivery of the repairs service had been designed to secure these objectives with the new arrangements based around six contracts seeking to utilise a mix of providers, including a framework of local contractors and a handyperson service ensuring competition, accountability, and efficiency.  In seeking to ensure the highest standards of repairs and maintenance were delivered for Council homes across the borough, members noted that development of the approach outlined had been subject to engagement with tenants as well as members (including scrutiny) with the proposed five year term (plus extensions) designed to provide long term stability and confidence that properties would be properly maintained.

In addition to the impact which the overall investment would have in driving up standards, members were also advised of the wider benefits identified in relation to the support being provided for the local economy and businesses as part of the Council’s wider objectives in seeking to leverage contracts as an anchor institution to support the creation and retention of wealth within the borough. As part of this wider approach, it was pointed out that the new arrangements had also included specific commitments to hire Brent based contactors with the aim of providing a faster, more reliable repairs service and priority for the delivery of sustainable practices, including fleet decarbonisation and improved waste management.  The new arrangements had also included a pledge to unlock social value, with all contractors providing a commitment to reinvest in Brent’s communities. As such the approach outlined was felt to represent a transformational step for Brent which sought to not only deliver for local residents but at the same time also strengthen the local economy and protect the environment in a way that took account of views expressed by residents and other stakeholders and also delivered value for money, accountability and a high-quality service.

In welcoming and supporting the approach outlined, members were also keen to commend the way in which the proposals had been designed to address the concerns highlighted by tenants in relation to delivery of the previous repairs and maintenance service whilst also seeking to support the Council’s strategic priorities in relation to Prosperity and Stability in Brent, Community Wealth Building and Thriving Communities. In recognising the more responsive and dynamic nature of the new arrangements, members felt these also represented a positive example of the way in which it was possible to co-produce  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12