Decision details

The Cabinet Member authorised the award of a framework contract for repairs assistance grant work, specifically the installation of central heating systems in domestic properties, for a two year period commencing on 30^th November 2014  with an option to extend for a further one year to the following contractors:

Gasway Services Ltd

Gaswise Services Ltd

Trevor Benton Construction Ltd

The contract value is estimated at £900,000 for the initial and extended contract period.

The Housing Act 2004 imposes a duty on local authorities to deal with Category 1 hazards. Properties are assessed using The Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) (Housing Act 2004).  Category 1 Hazard “Excess Cold” occurs where there is no or ineffective heating in domestic properties. The installation of central heating / boiler grant funded work can eliminate or mitigate such hazards for vulnerable people who are unable to address the hazard themselves.

Failure to provide repairs assistance heating grants, or completing them in a timely manner, can result in accidents, falls, injuries and in the most serious cases fatalities many of which are reported as excess winter deaths. Delays result in individuals needing alternative help, postpones hospital discharge and increases the number of untimely moves into full time care. Delays can lead to adults and children experiencing pain, increased anxiety, performing poorly at work or in education and deteriorations in physical /mental health. The Council could be considered culpable for a delay or failure in delivery which could result in complaints, challenges, Ombudsman involvement and legal proceedings.

The previous schedule of rates framework has operated successfully for several years. Care & Repair’s performance is in the top quartile nationally. The Agency has received multiple national awards in recognition of its performance. The previous framework has been a significant factor contributing to the Agency’s success and it’s 99%+ satisfaction rates.

The tender process was in line with the Council’s contract rules to develop a new framework to replace the expired framework. It will refresh the contractors, show best value, provide additional capacity and maintain standards.

The repairs assistance grants are a very important part of prevention work which results is saving for health and social care services.

Extend the current contract again:

The contract has already been extended. A further extension is not acceptable.

Do nothing:

Not appropriate as the Council has a statutory duty in relation to the works.

Tender the jobs individually.

This would result in several hundred additional tenders during the proposed contract period and has huge resource implications for the Council and its contractors. It would lead to delays specifically in respect to the tender period. It may lead to increased prices paid, in addition to increased costs.

Discontinue using a framework and tender all the work to one contractor:

This would potentially reduce capacity and flexibility. The ability to deal with delivery problems would be reduced. Relying on a single contractor potentially increases risk on the Council in its ability to meet its duties.  

None.

Prequalification Questionnaire, Invitation to Tender.