Decision

I approve the decision to enter into contracts with the preferred three contractors (Ecosafe Heating Limited, HMG Building Services and GDM Building Solutions) described in this report to deliver the Southwick Voids Refurbishment programme and approve a total budget of £2 million to refurbish these 44 void properties.

Reasons for the decision

Bringing empty homes back into use for residents is a key priority for this administration. The three preferred contractors provide the strongest combination of expertise and value for money, while also helping to distribute workload and risk to ensure properties are completed and ready for tenancy as quickly as possible. This approach will help reduce both the housing waiting list and reliance on costly, and often unsuitable, temporary accommodation, while also restoring rental income. All three contractors already have an established presence in West Sussex.

Alternative options considered

Direct award of the contract to a large national contractor through a compliant framework agreement was considered; however, Adur Homes’ relatively small housing stock made this option uncompetitive. An open or staged competitive procurement process was also discounted due to the anticipated timescales of 9–12 months.