The Cabinet has decided to approve the commencement of the procurement process for a new contract to deliver repairs and maintenance services for the Housing Management Service.

URL: https://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2060

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The report to Cabinet will present the recommendations for procuring a new contract to deliver repairs and maintenance, void, and gas servicing and compliance works in support of the Housing Management Service. Cabinet is requested to approve the commencement of the procurement process for this contract.

Content: The report to Cabinet will present the recommendations for procuring a new contract to deliver repairs and maintenance, void, and gas servicing and compliance works in support of the Housing Management Service. Cabinet is requested to approve the commencement of the procurement process for this contract. Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Economy and Housing which sought approval to commence the re-procurement of a new suite of contracts for the delivery of repairs, maintenance, voids (empty property) and gas servicing and compliance works and services to support the Council Housing Management Service.   Members noted that the procurement formed part of a wider programme to strengthen and modernise its housing services following the return of housing management functions to direct Council control in April 2026.  The current repairs, maintenance and voids contract was delivered by Liberty (due to end on 31st March 2027) and the current gas servicing and compliance contract was delivered by Liberty Gas (due to end on 30th June 2027).  It was further noted that the Council intended to use an established procurement framework, such as Fusion21 (UK based social enterprise delivering compliant public sector procurement frameworks with embedded social value) to support the re-procurement. This would enable the Council to undertake a mini-competition process tailored to specific priorities and would provide flexibility to place emphasis on key areas such as social value and tenant engagement, ensuring that these elements were embedded within the procurement and delivery of the contracts.   Councillor Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, led the discussion on the item as proposer and the item was seconded by Councillor Paul Donovan, Cabinet Member for Democracy, Workforce and Communities.   Cabinet Members welcomed the report and supported the proposals, highlighting that tenants could be confident and reassured that they would continue to receive safe, reliable and high-quality maintenance services.    DECIDED:     That    1)            the re-procurement of the repairs & maintenance and void contract be approved, to ensure continuity of essential services beyond the current contract term; 2)            the re-procurement of the gas servicing and electrical compliance contract be approved, to ensure continuity of essential services beyond the current contract term; 3)            a contract extension of the Liberty R&M Contract be approved for 6-months to 30th September 2027, with a contract value for 6 months being approximately £3.3m; and 4)            the Director of Economy and Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, be delegated authority to undertake an appropriate procurement process including contract award to support the implementation of the operational arrangements and contract mobilisation of services to be delivered by the successful contractor(s).   Reason for Decision    As set out in detail in section 3 of the report (paragraphs 3.1 to 3.4).   Alternative Options   1)            The current two contracts remain in place and includes an option to extend for a further two years, allowing service continuation until 2029. This option is not recommended due to the significantly altered landscape in which the social housing sector now operates and the number of risks that would need to be actively managed by both the Council and the provider over the extension period. 2)            For the reasons set out in this report the recommendation is to re-procure the two contracts to support positive outcomes for tenants and taking into account the soft market testing and market conditions assessment undertaken.

Date of Decision: July 15, 2026