Decision

The Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services has decided to award a new contract to Yorkshire Water for Sheffield City Council to collect water rates on behalf of Council tenants.

Analysis

outcome: Recommendations Approved

summary: The decision involves awarding a new contract to Yorkshire Water for Sheffield City Council to collect water rates on behalf of Council tenants.

topline: The Executive Director of Neighbourhood Services has decided to award a new contract to Yorkshire Water for Sheffield City Council to collect water rates on behalf of Council tenants.

reason_contentious: This issue may be contentious as it involves financial implications for tenants and the Council, as well as potential changes in service provision.

affected_stakeholders: ["Sheffield City Council", "Yorkshire Water", "Council tenants"]

contentiousness_score: 6

political_party_relevance: There are no mentions or implications of political parties or political influence on the decision.

URL: https://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=4033

Decision Maker: Executive Director, Neighbourhood Services

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: The Housing Policy Committee agreed a new contract, proposed by Yorkshire Water, at their meeting on 20th June 2024. This contract was to replace the previous one which expired 31st March 2024, and allows for Sheffield City Council (SCC) to continue to provide services to Yorkshire Water (YW), acting as an “agent of Yorkshire Water” to collect water rates on behalf of Council tenants. Following approval of the contract by the Committee, the request is now for the Executive Director to give approval to award this.

Content: The Housing Policy Committee agreed a new contract, proposed by Yorkshire Water, at their meeting on 20th June 2024. This contract was to replace the previous one which expired 31st March 2024, and allows for Sheffield City Council (SCC) to continue to provide services to Yorkshire Water (YW), acting as an “agent of Yorkshire Water” to collect water rates on behalf of Council tenants. Following approval of the contract by the Committee, the request is now for the Executive Director to give approval to award this. 1.    To receive and consider the contents of this report. 2.    To award the contract agreed by the Housing Policy Committee on 20th June 2024 to Yorkshire Water The alternative is to not collect water rates for Yorkshire Water. This would however result in a reduction in service for tenants, who would have to make payments direct to Yorkshire Water as well as their rent.  Tenants would also not have the additional support to apply for water support grants. Yorkshire Water would require time to develop alternative arrangements to collect outstanding water rates. There would also be a reduction in income to the Council, which is currently being used to support housing services within the council’s overall budget. The alternative is to not collect water rates for Yorkshire Water. This would however result in a reduction in service for tenants, who would have to make payments direct to Yorkshire Water as well as their rent.  Tenants would also not have the additional support to apply for water support grants. Yorkshire Water would require time to develop alternative arrangements to collect outstanding water rates. There would also be a reduction in income to the Council, which is currently being used to support housing services within the council’s overall budget.

Date of Decision: August 14, 2024