Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – RESOURCES

To seek Cabinet approval to use a single tender process for the award of a contract to HTS Property and Environmental Limited Ltd for a property compliance contract.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet agrees to the use of a single tender (under the Council’s Contract Procurement Rules) for the award of a contract to HTS Property and Environmental Limited Ltd, for a property compliance contract.

REASONS FOR DECISION: It is expected that working with HTS will deliver the following benefits:

·         The proposal is to form a collaborative working partnership that is focused on excellent service delivery and cost control, whilst ensuring the arrangement is sustainable for both parties over the longer term. This should avoid a repeat of the contract failures that have been what has transpired over the last two contracts.

·         HTS have a large directly employed workforce of trade operatives, administration and management staff, who have the skills, knowledge and ability to deliver the works, and already provide similar services to Harlow Council.

·         Elements of the way that the contract is delivered can be developed collaboratively by both parties to ensure the most efficient and cost effective approach.

·         HTS have a supply chain with access to both materials and sub-contractors to support delivery.

·         Whilst not a local North Herts based supplier, HTS’ values are aligned to the North Herts Council’s values, as demonstrated by their social and environmental activities. (see sections 13 and 14 below).

·         Being wholly owned by Harlow Council, any profits that HTS generate are ultimately fed back into providing public services.

Audio recording – 56 minutes 13 seconds

The Executive Member for Finance and IT presented the report entitled ‘Compliance Contract – Single Tender’ and advised of the following:

·         Building works were currently contracted out by Council are varied.

·         The revised contract would look at building works, such as repairs and maintenance.

·         There was a market engagement activity carried out, however there were few contractors who saw this as an attractive contract.

·         Ultimately this led to discussion with HCS, a company wholly owned by Harlow Council. This led to ongoing negotiations of what a contract would look like and ensuring this offered value for money.

·         The proposals were expected to provide incentives for both the Council and HCS, in accordance with the financial regulations of the Council, but had been referred to Cabinet due to the value of the contract.

Councillor Ian Albert proposed and Councillor Sean Prendergast seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet agrees to the use of a single tender (under the Council’s Contract Procurement Rules) for the award of a contract to HTS Property and Environmental Limited Ltd, for a property compliance contract.

REASONS FOR DECISION: It is expected that working with HTS will deliver the following benefits:

·         The proposal is to form a collaborative working partnership that is focused on excellent service delivery and cost control, whilst ensuring the arrangement is sustainable for both parties over the longer term. This should avoid a repeat of the contract failures that have been what has transpired over the last two contracts.

·         HTS have a large directly employed workforce of trade operatives, administration and management staff, who have the skills, knowledge and ability to deliver the works, and already provide similar services to Harlow Council.

·         Elements of the way that the contract is delivered can be developed collaboratively by both parties to ensure the most efficient and cost effective approach.

·         HTS have a supply chain with access to both materials and sub-contractors to support delivery.

·         Whilst not a local North Herts based supplier, HTS’ values are aligned to the North Herts Council’s values, as demonstrated by their social and environmental activities. (see sections 13 and 14 below).

·         Being wholly owned by Harlow Council, any profits that HTS generate are ultimately fed back into providing public services.