Issue - meetings

Report of the Corporate Director, Community and the Divisional Director, Housing Services.

Having noted the confidential appendices to the report, Cabinet

RESOLVED:  That

(1)            the award of the domestic gas heating contract to Liberty Group for a period of 4 years commencing 28/02/2022 to the 01/03/2026, with an option to extend for a further two years, be approved and the Corporate Director of Community, following consultation with Portfolio Holders for Housing and Finance and Resources, be authorised to carry out any contractual matters with respect to the above;

(2)            the award of the commercial gas heating systems contract to Thermoserve for a period of 4 years commencing 14/02/2022 to the 15/02/2026, with an option to extend for a further two years, be approved and the Corporate Director of Community, following consultation with Portfolio Holders for Housing and Finance and Resources, be authorised to carry out any contractual matters with respect to the above;

(3)            approval for the budget and authority to commence procurement of commercial gas heating system which was being sought retrospectively as set out in resolution 2 above, be noted;

(4)            for 2021/22 the part year impact of the contracts, £10,367 and one-off costs of internal project support up to a maximum of £35,000 be funded from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) repairs reserve; and

(5)            from 2022/23 the full year cost, £0.878m, of the above contracts be funded from the following sources:

·       existing revenue budgets within the Housing Revenue Account -£0.600m,

·       Community Centre and General fund budgets -£0.025m

·       the boiler installation, capitalised repairs and unallocated budget within the housing capital programme (min £0.178m to max £0.300m budget permitting),

·       revenue savings of £0.075m from a savings to the contract by converting to new technologies over the term of the contract.

Reasons: The approval was being sought so that the Council would be able to continue to provide essential services to meet its statutory duties as a social housing landlord across Council homes within the Borough, whilst complying with Health and Safety Gas Regulations.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:  As set out in the report.

Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member/Dispensation Granted:  None.