Issue - meetings

To seek approval to enter into a contract with United Living to complete the works associated with the Earlesfield Refurbishment Project.  The contract will be awarded via the Fusion 21 Framework for a period of 12 months commencing 1 April 2024.

Purpose of report

To enter into a contract with United Living for the completion of the refurbishment works in the properties identified on the Earlesfield Estate. The contract would be a direct award through the Fusion 21 Framework and for a period of 12 months.

Decision

That Cabinet approves the award of a contract to United Living to complete the works associated with the Earlesfield Project for a period of 12 months with a contract value of £2.4m.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Council could go out to formal tender for the contract, but this would have delayed the completion of the works on the properties.

Reasons for decision

The direct award to the contractor through the Fusion 21 Framework was a compliant procurement route and was the most expedient way to continue with the asbestos removal and refurbishment works that the contractor had already commenced with. This would minimise disruption to the tenants and ensure that the project is completed. The contractor had an existing network of contractors in the area, and they were familiar with the removal and refurbishment process.

Asbestos was originally identified within the build of a particular style of houses that were built a number of years ago. The previous administration had started a project of removal and identified 119 houses that required this work. By the end of March 2024 45 of those houses would have had the asbestos removed but will also have been refurbished and modernised.

By the end of March 2024 the existing contract with United Living would have expired; this contract would now be renewed with a target of completing the overall project by the end of the 2024/2025 financial year.