Decision details

(Minute 73)

The report of the Assistant Director Housing and Contracts was submitted, seeking approval to continue the initiative for the delivery of the housing kitchen, bathroom, gas central heating and boiler replacement for up to four years, following a successful six month trial period.  Approval was also sought to examine the practicality of extending the initiative to cover working budgets in respect of PSL’s, Extralet and disabled adaptation programmes.

Scrutiny Committee – Resources considered the report at their meeting on 20 June 2012 and the support and comments of members was noted.

Members welcomed the new approach which was designed to spread risk by letting a number of smaller contracts.  They acknowledged the significant contribution of the former Head of Contracts and Direct Services to the initiative. They particularly welcomed the consequent benefits to the local economy of using local firms.

The Portfolio Holder Housing and Community Involvement commended the scheme and reported the support of the Tenant and Leaseholders Committee.  The Chair commented on the high standard of work of which small firms were capable and requested the Assistant Director Housing and Contracts to ensure that current contractual procedures did not preclude them from competing for work.

Executive supported the proposal for an interim report to be made to the Committee after two years to enable the success of the initiative to be monitored.

Executive resolved that:-

(1)        initial progress made on the Total Project Delivery pilot be noted; and

(2)        the continuation and extension of the scheme be supported for up to four years, or until respective budgets involved are exhausted, with an interim report to Executive after two years, subject to annual review and approval by the Assistant Director Housing and Contracts.