Purpose

1.1 
Individual service areas are making their own
arrangements and analysis has shown that a number of cleaning
suppliers including Juniper Ventures are being used. A meeting has
been held with the affected service areas to explain the
procurement and rationale for now arranging a corporate
contract.  Each  service area will continue to be responsible for
the cleaning costs of their sites.

1.2 
A contract needs to be put in place to ensure
continuity of services and bring all spend on cleaning onto one
contract with one provider providing more visibility of spend and
ease of contract management.

 

1.3 
It is recommended to agree to the direct award of a
contract for internal cleaning of LBN sites (excluding schools) to
Juniper Ventures Limited for a period of 5 years starting on 23
October 2024 in order to ensure our sites and buildings are clean
and well-presented and do not pose any H&S risks to users which
include managing risk of vermin infestation, unhygienic food
preparation and eating areas, and clean washroom
facilities.

Decision

Decision
 
For the reasons set out in the report and its
appendices Cabinet RESOLVED to Agree:
 
i) 
To directly award a contract for the commercial cleaning of the
buildings described in paragraph 4.1 to Juniper Ventures Limited
for a period of 5 years from 23 October 2024 to 22 October 2029 at
a maximum cost of £15m.
ii) 
To delegate to the Corporate Director of Resources in consultation
with the Director of Legal and Governance authority to enter into
the contract referred to in (i).
 
Alternatives
Considered
 
a) 
Maintain the current arrangements – The absence of a single
contract would extend a fragmented and short term approach to the
placement of security of cleaning contracts, through which service
quality is more difficult to manage and the financial implications
for both the Council and Juniper employees less certain. This is a
realistic option (as the current approach is not
“broken”), but would not provide the benefits outlined
above.
b) 
Full Tender Process, based on a non LLW basis – there could
be a substantial cost saving to the Council from a full tender, but
this would cut across a key political policy. There are no other
LLW compliant suppliers in the market so it is hard to test
Juniper’s competitiveness once the difference in its wage
structure is eliminated.