Decision

Approval to appoint Quelch Grounds & Garden Maintenance as the preferred contractor to undertake garden maintenance at the Threadneedle Street flats, Nos. 35, 37, 39, 41, 43 and 45, Chippenham.

Reasons for the decision

Due to workload pressures within the internal Property Services Team and dialogue with Remus (estate management company), concluding that each service are unable to undertake the work at these homes, Quelch Grounds & Garden Maintenance have been approached to provide garden maintenance services at the Threadneedle Street flats, in consideration of their existing work maintaining the gardens of Wiltshire Council’s unoccupied shared ownership properties.

To ensure the grounds around the Threadneedle Flats (learning disabilities accommodation) are maintained in the best possible condition for the residents, Quelch Grounds & Garden Maintenance are commissioned to maintain the soft landscaping on a monthly basis.

Considering the work they are already commissioned for, Quelch Grounds & Garden Maintenance have been approached to quote for the landscape maintenance service of these flats.

The cost of these works are [redacted].

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.

Quelch Grounds & Garden Maintenance costs will be invoiced to and paid by Housing Income and will be included within the service charge of the existing 28 homes at Rowden Brook, at a charge of [redacted].

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

Alternative options considered

To not carry out the maintenance of the grounds around these flats, would leave the residents communal gardens and outside areas in a poor condition and unsafe, which would not reflect well on Wiltshire Council.

Confidential/exempt information - (contractor costs) is included within this Record of Officer Decision, therefore some information relating to this decision is withheld as confidential or exempt under Part 5 of the Constitution Paragraphs 14.3 and 14.5.