The Committee considered a report seeking approval to procure and award a cyclical planned maintenance contract for housing stock block properties. This would cover external and communal works over an up to eight-year programme (2026–2034) managed by Housing Repairs and Property Services. The most advantageous route to market was a call off via a compliant framework enabling robust supplier field, a supported market engagement and expression of interest process. The intended contract was a Measured Term Contract designed for the construction industry, utilising the National Housing Federation Schedule of Rates which was industry standard and widely used in sourcing Housing Repairs and Property Services contracts managed by the service area.  

The estimated annual value of the contract was £550,000 (£660,000 inc. VAT), funded from the Housing Revenue Account, based on the planned works budget annually approved at the Housing Neighbourhoods and Leisure Committee in each financial year. 

It was noted that planned cyclical external maintenance was essential for local authorities to protect building condition, prevent health and safety risks, ensure legal compliance, reduce long-term costs, and support positive regulatory outcomes. It formed a cornerstone of good asset management and was central to meeting the Regulator for Social Housing’s standards around safe, decent, well-maintained homes. In addition, it was a factor in meeting Decent Homes Standards and was referenced in the Housing Ombudsmen’s Complaint Handling Code: failing to maintain external elements often leads to service failure and findings of maladministration.

The report explained that there were 284 Housing-owned blocks of flats and the contract would not include housing/bungalows outside of blocks, which was managed and maintained by the direct service organisation (DSO) in collaboration with the existing contract for voids and planned works which had been let in 2025.  The contract would also not include three Wensley Road tower blocks, or four Granville Road blocks for which planning would commence for a standalone programme of works to meet the Building Safety Regulator requirements. Once all works had been completed according to the (BSR) requirements on these seven blocks, they would be incorporated back into the cyclical external maintenance programmes and treated as service area business as usual stock.

Resolved –

(1)       That the Executive Director of Communities and Adult Social Care, in consultation with the Lead Councillor for Housing, the Director of Finance, and the Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to: 

a)    Procure and enter a contract with the successful tenderer(s) for the Block Maintenance contract to be provided. The contract to be for up to eight years (four-year initial term with extension provisions) with a total maximum value of £4.4m for the eight-year duration;

b)     Negotiate with the successful tenderer to mobilise the contract, vary the contract, extend the contract at the appropriate time, and otherwise contract manage the contract throughout its lifecycle.