Purpose

To commence re?tendering of the British Gas
Voidcare contract and to undertake soft
market testing, supported by the obtaining of a Waiver of Contract
Standing Orders until 30 June 2026.
The waiver is required to maintaincontinuity
of utility services for void properties while the Council resolves
outstanding financial and operational matters and progresses a
compliant procurement exercise.
 

Content

The Director of Housing and Repairs:

Approves the decision to re?procure
a contract for the provision of utility supply and associated
management services for Housing void properties, replacing the
current arrangements associated with the British Gas Voidcare portal.
Approves the proposed procurement
strategy to undertake a compliant procurement exercise in
accordance with the Council’s Contract Standing Orders and
the Procurement Act 2023, for a contract term of up to four years
(initial term plus permitted extensions), within approved budget
provision.
Approves the delegation of authority
to the appropriate Director, in consultation with Commercial
Services and Legal Services, to:

Finalise the procurement
documentation,
Undertake soft market testing and
conduct the procurement exercise, and
Award the resulting contract to the
successful bidder in accordance with the approved strategy and
delegated authority.

Notes that a Waiver of Contract
Standing Orders is in place until 30 June 2026 to ensure continuity
of service while the procurement exercise is completed.

 

Reasons for the decision

The decision is required for
legal, financial, and governance compliance in the management of
utilities for Housing void properties.
Re?procurement is necessary to
meet statutory obligations under the Procurement Act 2023 and
Contract Standing Orders.

Alternative options considered

Alternative Option 1
- Continue current arrangements / do nothing: Rejected.
Continues non?compliance, financial risk, and
audit exposure, with contractual ambiguity and uncertainty.
 
Alternative Option 2 - Extend/renew with
British Gas without competition: Rejected. Would
perpetuate procurement non?compliance and expose the Council to
challenge and reputational risk.
 
Alternative Option 3 - Immediate service
cessation: Rejected. Would jeopardise safety/continuity
for void properties and risks higher costs and operational
disruption. (Service need is ongoing.)