Issue - meetings

Purpose of report

To consider awarding a contract to the preferred supplier for the provision of Christmas lights in Grantham for five years.

Decision

That Cabinet:

1.    Approve the contract award for the Christmas lights in Grantham to Gala Lights Ltd at a cost of £56,720 per year, for a period of three years with the option to extend for a further two years.

2.    Delegate authority to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture to extend the contract by up to a further two years or increase or extend the lighting provision should this be required.

Other options considered

The Council had an option to purchase Christmas lights rather than hire them. However, purchase amount would be significant, and additional costs would be incurred in relation to their installation, storage and ongoing repair and maintenance.

Reasons for the decision

A compliant procurement exercise had been undertaken to identify a preferred supplier for the provision of Christmas lights in Grantham. Following the expiry of the appropriate standstill period the contract needed to be formally awarded.

As a Special Expense Area (SEA) Grantham taxpayers directly paid for services delivered to the parish by SKDC. The costs identified would be charged to the SEA.

The lights would be complemented by a Christmas tree, and family friendly activities. The ‘Christmas Light Switch On’ would take place on Sunday 29 November 2026.

Should Grantham Town Council wish to take on the responsibility for the provision of the Christmas lights then it was possible to novate the contract to them. They would then become responsible for honouring the remaining term of the agreement. It had not previously been possible for the Grantham Charter Trustees (predecessor to Grantham Town Council) to provide lights as they did not have the powers of a Town Council; for this reason SKDC had provided lights for the town.