Issue - meetings

Report from the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning.

Decision:

Cabinet approves the awarding of a contract to UK Gas Service Ltd in order to undertake electrical and smoke alarm testing including remedial and rewiring works for a two year period (with a potential 1+1+1 year extension) for a maximum total value of £3.050m.

Considerations/reasons for decision:

·         Report from the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning seeking approval for the award of electrical works contract including electrical testing, rewiring and smoke detection upgrades.

·         The Council’s on going requirement to carry out significant repair to ensure properties meet the needs of tenants and comply with the Homes Standard and any ongoing statutory and compliant requirements.

·         The need to have an electrical inspection and allied works programme in place as soon as possible.

·         The selection of a contractor with an established track record of quality work and one which demonstrated the ability to deliver contracts of scale on time and within budget limits

·         The selection process had been informed by selecting a contractor through the Framework arrangement in accordance with South Kesteven District Council Contract and Procurement Procedure Rules.

Other options considered:

1)    Do nothing – this option was discounted as there was a contractual obligation under the tenancy agreement to ensure properties were maintained in accordance with the Homes Standard.

2)    Consideration was given to the use of alternative tender and procurement options, however, due to the likely costs and complexity of works associated with structural repairs an OJEU compliant framework was considered the best option.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning presented the report to award the Electrical Works Contract including electrical testing, electrical rewires and smoke detection upgrades to UK Gas Services Ltd.  It was a significant contract which included the electrical certification to Council properties which was a critical requirement of the Council’s compliance notice.  It covered all Council stock, currently it was thought that only 50% of the Council’s stock had electrical certification.

The contract had been awarded through the Efficiency East Midlands Framework and was fully compliant with the Council’s procurement procedures.  The budget to cover planned works and certification were provided for within the HRA Capital and Revenue expenditure budgets.  The work would lift the safety and compliance of the Council’s stock to meet the required Homes Standard.

The Leader stated that this was a positive step forward.  The contractor provided the best value for money and also had the necessary resources to carry out the inspection works on behalf of the Council. 

On being put to the vote, it was AGREED: 

To approve the awarding of a contract to UK Gas Service Ltd in order to undertake electrical and smoke alarm testing including remedial and rewiring works for a two year period (with a potential 1+1+1 year extension) for a maximum total value of £3.050m.