URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1521

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To agree and progress future arrangements for parking enforcement, car park management and school crossing patrol officers.

Content: The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Environment and Place) which sought approval for the future delivery of parking enforcement, car park management and school crossing patrol officers to be through one of the Council’s existing LATCo, specifically, South Essex Property Services (SEPS), ensuring continuity, accountability and alignment with strategic objectives.   Reason(s) for decision:   The proposed LATCo arrangement enables the Council to maintain continuity in the delivery of parking enforcement, car park management and School Crossing Patrol services, while continuing to meet its obligations under the Traffic Management Act 2004. This ensures the Council can effectively manage congestion, promote compliant parking and maintain revenue from enforcement activities.   The Council has legal authority to make a direct award to SEPS under the vertical arrangement exemption in Schedule 2, paragraph 2 of the Procurement Act 2023. This exemption (previously known as Teckal under Regulation 12 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015) applies where the provider is controlled by the Council, and its activities are undertaken on behalf of the Council. Due diligence assessment confirms that SEPS meets these conditions, including ownership, operational control and service alignment.   Resolved:   That it be agreed, Cabinet:   1. Approves the proposal to award the contract for parking enforcement and related operational activities, along with the provision of School Crossing Patrol staff to South Essex Property Services (SEPS) for an initial contract term of a period of two (2) years, with the option to extend for one (1) additional year, plus a further one (1) year if required. The projected value of the contract is included in Exempt Appendix 1.   2. Delegates authority to the Executive Director for Environment & Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure & Corporate Strategy and Leader of the Council to authorise and enter into any required extensions subject to satisfactory contract compliance.   3. Approves that mobilisation, transitional and implementation arrangements will be carried out in accordance with a detailed implementation plan, to be agreed by the Executive Director for Environment and Place in collaboration with SEPS and effective at the earliest opportunity.   4. Delegates authority to the Executive Director for Environment and Place to terminate the current parking enforcement and associated services contract as required and in compliance with the existing terms.  

Date of Decision: September 15, 2025