Decision

On the proviso that internal maintenance services are not available, to appoint Quelch Grounds & Garden Maintenance as the preferred service to carry out lawn cutting and weeding maintenance of unoccupied shared ownership properties set out in the table of this record of officer decision.

Reasons for the decision

Due to the high work pressures of the Property Services Team, although recently requested, it has not been possible for them to maintain the lawns or weed the gardens of the unoccupied shared ownership properties on various Residential Development schemes. This will be checked
and reviewed at the commencement of each growing/maintenance season and if it remains the case that internal services are not available, Quelch Grounds & Garden Maintenance will be contacted for such works for the properties listed in this decision. If, however internal services are available, they will be commissioned in the first instance.

The cost accepted, being below £24,999, the Council’s procurement regulations are satisfied by going to one contractor. Copy of the quote is attached to this Record of Officer Decision. The contractors have been engaged to ensure they adhere to the Council’s standard terms and
conditions for services.

In accordance with the decision made, this record of Officer Decision is required to authorise the appointment of Quelch Grounds & Garden Maintenance for garden maintenance of unoccupied shared ownership properties.

Properties detailed in attached document.

Quelch Grounds & Garden Maintenance costs received is within the budget (detailed in the table below) offset against the cost set out in the attached document.

See attached document for considerations in line with Wiltshire Council’s Constitution.

Alternative options considered

To not carry out the maintenance of the lawns, paths and shrubbed areas, would leave the new shared ownership properties’ gardens and outside areas in a poor condition, leaving the new purchaser to complete the work which would not reflect well on Wiltshire Council.