Decision

Authority granted to waive Contract Standing Orders and appoint Futures Recruitment to provide an experienced agency resource to deliver repairs support services. The appointment has a value of £6,993 and will provide additional administrative capacity within the Repairs Team until 16 October 2026.

Reasons for the decision

The additional resource is required to manage the high-volume Housing Repairs inbox and support the administration of damp and mould cases. The appointment is necessary to address increased workload arising from the council’s C4 regulatory judgement, compliance activities, Awaab’s Law requirements and increased levels of repairs-related complaints. Immediate action is required to support recovery, maintain service delivery, protect tenants and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Alternative options considered

A full procurement process was considered but rejected because it would create delays and increase the risk of failing to meet Housing Improvement Plan commitments, comply with regulatory standards and Awaab’s Law requirements, and adequately manage repairs and complaints. Delaying the appointment would leave a gap in service capacity at a critical time.