Purpose

The Council's repairs contractor Equans gave notice to terminate their contract. The purpose of the report was to consider the options for providing a repairs service after the contract ended.

Decision

Cabinet agreed to the following recommendations:

1) Agree that the Responsive Repairs service becomes an in house operation.

2) Agree that a cross party member task and finish group is set up to include the Housing Portfolio Holder and Shadow Portfolio Holders.

3) Delegate to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader and relevant Portfolio Holders, to make a final decision on proceeding with bringing the repairs service in house. A full business case will be developed to support the transfer.

4) Authorise the Solicitor to the Council and Monitoring Officer to negotiate, finalise and complete all necessary legal agreements and other documents to give effect to the above.

5) Note that the TUPE implications for bringing the service in house will be identified and discussed with Human Resources.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - Procure a new contractor through a framework

Option 2 - Procure a new contract under urgency rules

Option 3 - Contract out smaller contracts on a case-by-case basis

Option 4 - Bring services in-house

Option 5 - Novate existing subcontractors