The Cabinet Member Signing meeting on Tuesday 31 March 2026 was scheduled to discuss the extension of the council's security contract. The meeting was to consider a report outlining the proposed extension of the contract with United Guarding Services Ltd.

Security Contract Extension

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the proposed extension of the security contract with United Guarding Services Ltd (UGS). The report indicated a recommendation to approve the use of a 12-month extension, taking the contract to 30 April 2027. This extension would increase the contract's value by up to an additional £3.5 million, bringing the total contract value to a maximum of £14 million.

The report highlighted that the council manages a large number of buildings, including operational premises and housing stock, which require protection. While the council's policy favours in-house security services where practical, external providers are sometimes necessary for ad hoc provision, covering unexpected absences, out-of-hours services, and securing vacant sites. The proposed extension is intended to provide time for the council to explore consolidating security services and potential collaborative opportunities with neighbouring boroughs before tendering a new contract.

The report noted that the current contract was initially awarded in April 2021 for five years, with an option for a 12-month extension. In September 2024, the contract's value was previously extended by £3.5 million. The current proposal aims to utilise the remaining optional extension.

The report also detailed alternative options considered, including a fully in-house service, which was assessed as unaffordable due to the costs associated with 24/7 provision, control services, and flexibility. Re-tendering for a new contract was deemed not feasible within the available timeframe. The current hybrid model, a mix of in-house and outsourced services, is proposed to be retained.

The extension is considered consistent with Regulation 72.1a) of the Public Contract Regulations 2015, as the extension was provided for in the original procurement documentation. The contract extension is expected to support the Corporate Delivery Plan outcome of a supported and enabled workforce by ensuring the safety of public buildings and employees. Environmental considerations embedded in the current contract are also set to remain in force.

Statutory officers provided comments on the proposal. The Director of Finance noted that the extension is a necessary interim arrangement and that funding is met through existing budgets, provided spend controls are maintained. Strategic Procurement confirmed that the hourly rate is competitive and that opportunities for collaboration are being explored. The Head of Legal and Governance confirmed the process aligns with the council's Contract Standing Orders and Public Contracts Regulations 2015. The Equality section of the report acknowledged that security contractor staff often have protected characteristics and that the council is mindful of interactions with the public who may also have protected characteristics.