Agenda item - Housing Adaptations Framework Re-let

Report of Executive Director Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing (copy attached).

(1)            That the procurement of a framework agreement for the provision of housing adaptations for a term of three (3) years, with the option to extend that framework agreement for a period of up to one (1) year subject to satisfactory performance, be approved.

(2)            That the Executive Director for Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing be authorised:

(i)              to carry out the procurement of the framework agreement referred to in 2.1 above including the award and letting of that framework agreement;

(ii)             to approve the extension to the framework agreement referred to in 2.1 above, if required, dependent on satisfactory  performance.

(iii)            to award any call-off contracts under the framework agreement referred to in 2.1 above should he/she consider it appropriate at the relevant time.

59.1   The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director, Neighbourhoods, Communities & Housing which sought approval to procure a new framework agreement for the provision of housing adaptations for disabled people in council properties and private sector dwellings.  The report was presented by the Operations Manager and the Housing Adaptations Technical Team Leader – Adaptations.      

59.2    Councillor Moonan mentioned that with the six providers coming together they could provide an internal market to drive prices down and get the most efficient service, or they could become a cartel and do some price fixing and push the prices up.  What guarantees were there to ensure the former not the latter? The Housing Adaptations Technical Team Leader explained that the prices were set in advance in the schedule of rates. He agreed that it was good to maintain the internal market and ensure that quality and timescales were maintained. 

59.3    Councillor Mears observed that the framework agreement would create savings within the General Fund. There was need to be mindful that there was a lot of slippage from the HRA to the General Fund.  It was important to recognise this matter did come under housing and the HRA and it was important that through housing there were very clear directions on how the framework agreement was progressed. Councillor Mears agreed that there was a need to ensure best value.   Councillor Mears referred to paragraph 2.2 on page 124 and stated that she would want to see a report back to the committee. 

59.4    Councillor Bell considered the report to be really important. He asked what could be done to minimise the time it took to carry out adaptations. Housing Adaptations Technical Team Leader explained that there was an initial assessment in Adult Social Care. Clients were then referred for further assessment with his team. Officers were looking at the time from the Occupational therapists recommendation until the grant was approved or the works were ordered. That time had been brought right down through the use of the framework.  It was currently running at 8 or 9 weeks

59.5    The Chair suggested a report back in six months to review the work.

59.6    RESOLVED:-

(1)            That the procurement of a framework agreement for the provision of housing adaptations for a term of three (3) years, with the option to extend that framework agreement for a period of up to one (1) year subject to satisfactory performance, be approved.

(2)            That the Executive Director for Neighbourhoods, Communities and Housing be authorised:

(i)              to carry out the procurement of the framework agreement referred to in 2.1 above including the award and letting of that framework agreement;

(ii)             to approve the extension to the framework agreement referred to in 2.1 above, if required, dependent on satisfactory performance.

(iii)            to award any call-off contracts under the framework agreement referred to in 2.1 above should he/she consider it appropriate at the relevant time.