Decision details

The Cabinet Member is recommended to authorise the award of a place on the new Framework for Specialist Decluttering & Deep Cleaning Services to the successful bidders listed below for a framework period of 1 May 2023 to 31 December 2025, with an option to extend for a further two 12-month periods: 

·         aAFD Services 

·         Foster Property Management 

·         Hygenic Solutions 

·         Mr Bright 

·         Spotless Cleaning Services 

The value of the framework period between 1 May 2023 and 31 December 2025is £400,000.00 and a value of £150,000.00 per 12-month extension period, hence the total value of the Framework is £700,000.00.   

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Failure to providethese specialist de-cluttering and deep cleaning services or failure to complete them in a timely manner, can result in delayed discharge from hospital for a patient who is deemed medically fit.  This can result in an unnecessary elongated stay in hospital causing bed blocking or resulting in expensive moves into interim care settings.  The home environmental conditions can lead to a delay in the transfer of care from hospital or reablement unable to go ahead in the client’s home due to clutter or insanitary conditions. 

The risks posed by a badly hoarded property are well documented.  There is a fire risk, a risk of falling objects, a risk of falls, a risk of entrapment and the exacerbation of existing respiratory conditions.  All of these could lead to a hospital admission. 

Delayed discharge from hospital can lead to increased anxiety and a deterioration in physical/mental health. Hoarding behaviours have been diagnosed formally as a mental health condition. The Council could be considered culpable for a delay or failure in delivery de-cluttering and deep cleaning services which could result in complaints,challenges, Ombudsman involvement and legal proceedings. These are preventative services and timely and effective intervention can result in significant savings for health and social care services. 

The tender process was compliant with procurement legislation in order to develop a newframework. The new framework has been procured competitively in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, demonstrating best value and satisfactory quality, shall provide additional capacity and maintain required standards. 

To do nothing. This is not appropriate due to the importance of preventing hospital discharge delays of medically fit patients.  

Establish a DPS for all Lots.  This was disregarded as it would mean mini competitions for this lower value, less complex but high-volume works.  This would place a substantial burden on Care & Repair and Housing Programme officers and their ability to spend the annual capital programme.  By having schedule of rates and an efficient call off process for this type of work means officers can directly award contracts and maintain the required through put levels. 

Tender the jobs individually. This would result in several hundred smaller tenders duringthe proposed framework period and has huge resource implications for the Council. Thiswould lead to potential delays and increased costs. 

Tender the works and services to one contractor. Thiswould potentially reduce the capacity and flexibility that a frameworkoffers the Council. 

None.

Housing Renewals Policy 2021 - 2024