Decision

To award a consultancy contract to Campbell Tickell Limited for the provision of strategic support to the council's Housing Service, including the development and delivery of a Comprehensive Improvement Plan, governance arrangements including a Housing Improvement Board, delivery support and regulatory improvement assistance. The contract value is £168,789 excluding VAT for a period of 12 months commencing 6 October 2025.

Reasons for the decision

The Housing Service received a C4 Regulatory Judgement from the Regulator of Social Housing, indicating very serious failings in meeting Consumer Standards. Following a request for quotations from three organisations, Campbell Tickell was identified as the preferred provider due to its ability to provide the specialist expertise, assurance and continuity of support required to drive fundamental service improvement and support progression towards a higher regulatory grading. The appointment was considered urgent to provide assurance to the Regulator and reduce the risk of regulatory enforcement action

Alternative options considered

Alternative providers were considered through a market testing exercise and request for quotations process involving three organisations. Whilst other options were available, Campbell Tickell was selected as the preferred provider because its proposal offered the most comprehensive support package and the greatest assurance of successful delivery of the required improvements. Open competition was not pursued further due to the urgency of the requirement and the market testing already undertaken.