Decision

To enter into a contract with Savills in the sum of £36,000 plus VAT to undertake an independent review of the Council’s repairs and maintenance service, covering both responsive repairs and void properties

Reasons for the decision

The review will assess how effectively the current repairs and maintenance services:

• meet residents’ needs and deliver the required service standards;
• identify, prioritise and manage risk;
• support the timely and effective delivery of repairs and void works;
• provide appropriate operational, financial and quality control;
• use performance information to drive improvement; and
• deliver value for money.

As a significant proportion of the service is delivered through an in-house workforce, the review will include a specific assessment of the operation, management and contribution of this resource. This will encompass productivity, work planning, job costing and charging, access to materials, quality control and the use of external contractors.

The review will identify what is working well, the principal risks or barriers to effective delivery, and practical opportunities for improvement.

A waiver has been approve to allow the acceptance of the quote provided by Savills.

Alternative options considered

The Council could decide not to carry out the review but this is not recommended as providing a high quality repairs and maintenance service is vital to the regulatory requirements of the Council and the deliverability of the corporate plan.