Purpose

The purpose of this report is to seek approval, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 5.3.2 (Schedule 1), for the award of a JCLI Landscape Maintenance Works Contract 2017 (JCLI LMWC) to the winning bidder as identified in Appendix B for Tree Works Call Out Contract from 01 September 2026 to 31 August 2029, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 12 months in aggregate, to 31 August 2030.

The reason for the decision is that a compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 6, and the winning bidder has been identified as providing the most advantageous offer to the Council.

Decision

(i)       That, in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule Schedule 1 5.3.2, a JCLI Landscape Maintenance Works Contract 2017 (JCLI LMWC) be awarded to the winning bidder as identified in Appendix B for the Tree Works Call Out Contract from 01 September 2026 to 31 August 2029, including options to extend for further periods of time up to a maximum of 12 months in aggregate, to 31 August 2030.

(ii)       That the Procurement Team be authorised to make the necessary arrangements for the issue of the relevant contract documentation after conclusion of the call-in period.

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing: This option was considered and rejected, due to the Council not having inhouse capability to deliver this work at this time. This contract is essential to enable the ongoing delivery of Knowsley Council’s arboricultural management works, particularly the emergency response service. Without this contract the Council is unable to effectively manage the tree and woodland stock across the borough and respond quickly to health & safety matters, especially emergency works the Council is responsible for.

Conversely, if the Council was to commission only on a job-by-job bases, this would be less transparent from a procurement perspective, not be cost effective, involve significant increase in administrative tasks and would not provide a responsive service to address emergency works when they arise. Consequently, this contract is required to ensure a stable, responsive, accountable and consistent service is available to the Council to address the range of arboricultural works commitments the Council is obliged to deliver.