This report presented the procurement of the repairs and planned maintenance work with finances for the delivery of these works being allocated within the HRA 30 business plan. Members were informed the recommendations fit within the objectives of the Thurrock Improvement and Recovery Plan 2022 for the Council to be a more streamlined and financially sustainable council.

During the discussion the following was acknowledged:

-     The chair had concerns on how the report did not have the analysis or evidence base required to demonstrated what was undertaken on the last contract, such as performance, value for money and satisfaction to be able to compare with as to why the report recommended the new direction.

-     Concerns were raised on the current level of service, poor management, poor due diligence and engagement of providers named in the report.

-     The chair questioned the level of on-going compliance control to which he was informed there was a central compliance team in the housing directorate.

-     Comments were made that contracts should stipulate the extend of spend within the borough for materials and use local suppliers.

-     Comments were made on how the inspection of work undertaken and contractors’ performance would take place and how this should be built into contracts.

-     Members were informed of survey results for contractors as satisfactory with an overall target of 85%, a comment was made that every target should be 100% satisfactory and there needed to be more accountability of the work undertaken.

-     There was concern from members that too much sub-contracting was taking place and control of those works were not being controlled.

-     Members agreed to establish a working group for members to consult, inform, influence, and oversee the procurement process of the procurement process.

-     Members agreed to add a further recommendation that there would be an expectation for the working group to complete its task by the end of September 2023.

-     Officers to share detailed plans, with key milestones, for the procurement process with the members of the Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

ACTION 6 – Democratic Services to liaise with Officers on the timeframes, terms of reference, activity plan and the assignment of officers to this proposed working group. Democratic Services, Keith Andrews

ACTION 7 – Detailed procurement process plan to be shared with members. Mohammed Ullah

RESOLVED

1.     The Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee recommended the formation of a working group to consult with officers and experts with a view to producing a detailed report in advance of the procurement of a domestic and commercial gas servicing, breakdown, repair and installation contractor and to determine the most beneficial length of contract.

2.     The Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended the formation of a working group to consult with officers and experts with a view to producing a detailed report in advance of the procurement of a domestic and commercial gas servicing, breakdown, repair and installation contract repairs and maintenance (including communal and external decorations) contractor and to determine the most beneficial length of contract.

3.     The Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee recommended that both recommendations 1.1 and 1.2 include the expectation that the working group completes its task by the end of September 2023.