URL: https://councillors.knowsley.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=8558

Decision Maker: Head of Housing and Property (Barry Fawcett)

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The purpose of this report is to seek approval, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 7.7.1 (Schedule 1), for the award of contract to arc4 Ltd to undertake the Knowsley Strategic Housing Market Assessment, to run from 12 October 2026, to 31 March 2027.  The Knowsley Strategic Housing Market Assessment will be a key part of the evidence base to develop the Council’s new Housing Strategy and Local Plan; and will also support the development of other housing and planning policies / strategies / initiatives.   The reason for the decision is that a compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 7, and the winning bidder has been identified as providing the most advantageous offer to the Council.  

Content: The purpose of this report is to seek approval, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 7.7.1 (Schedule 1), for the award of contract to arc4 Ltd to undertake the Knowsley Strategic Housing Market Assessment, to run from 12 October 2026, to 31 March 2027.  The Knowsley Strategic Housing Market Assessment will be a key part of the evidence base to develop the Council’s new Housing Strategy and Local Plan; and will also support the development of other housing and planning policies / strategies / initiatives.   The reason for the decision is that a compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 7, and the winning bidder has been identified as providing the most advantageous offer to the Council.   That the Head of Housing and Property is recommended, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 7.7.1 (Schedule 1), to: -   (i)    approve the award of a contract to arc4 Ltd to undertake the Knowsley Strategic Housing Market Assessment from 12 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, including options to extend for further periods of time up to the completion of the project. (ii)   authorise the Procurement Team to make the necessary arrangements for the issue of the relevant contract documentation after conclusion of the call-in period / standstill period.   Deliver in house: This option was considered and rejected because there is insufficient specific expertise or resource within the Council to deliver this work.  The Council’s Local Plan will be subject to consultation and external examination.  The appointment of a specialist consultancy / organisation to produce a Strategic Housing Market Assessments for the Council will support robustness and soundness of evidence base for the development of both the new Housing Strategy and new Local Plan.  The Local Plan will also be subject to consultation and an external examination and the skills, knowledge and experience a specialist organisation will provide through the work being undertaken (including future support where necessary), will support the Council in delivering a compliant plan to meet Knowsley’s needs and respond to potential challenges.  

Date of Decision: September 16, 2026