Decision

RESOLVED that approval is given to award the contract for the following projects as described below:

1. External Construction – Roofing Programme 1:  Approve the award of the contract to Lura Construction Limited for a total sum of £312,661.07 (excluding VAT), which equates to £375,193.28 (including VAT). The contract term is 12 months. In addition, approve a 10% contingency sum of £31,266.11 (excluding VAT), equivalent to £37,519.00 (including VAT). Delegated authority is granted to the Director of Housing (Operations) to manage and approve the use of this contingency as required. The total approved award value, including contingency, is £412,712.61 (including VAT).

1. FRA 9 Tower Blocks – Contract Administrator: Approve the award of the contract to Blakeney Leigh for the total sum of £97,060 excluding VAT (£116,462.00 inclusive of VAT) for a duration of twelve months.

1. FRA 9 Tower Blocks – Principal Designer & Gateway Submission: Approve the award of the contract to Blakeney Leigh for the total sum of £91,720 excluding VAT (£110,064.00 inclusive of VAT) for a duration of twelve months.

1. HOPS Consultancy Services 2026-27 - Building Regulator Principal Designer (Direct Award - Frankham Consultancy Group Limited): Approve the award of the contract to Frankham Consultancy Group Limited for the total sum of £93,180 excluding VAT (£111,816.00 inclusive of VAT) for a duration of twelve months.

1. Lateral Mains – Communal Electrics Upgrade 2: Approve the award of the contract to Positive Connection Limited for the total sum of £254,390.40 excluding VAT (£305,268.48 inclusive of VAT) for a duration of 6 months.

1. Contract Administrator Consultancy Services for District Wide 3 – Direct Award: Approve the award of the contract to Silver DCC for the total sum of £99,600 excluding VAT (£119,520 inclusive of VAT) for a duration of 12 months.

Reasons for the decision

Procure and deliver part of the Housing Capital Programme for 2026-2028, which is the largest ever stock re-investment programme Harlow has ever undertaken, totaling £162m over two years.  This programme will significantly improve the homes of residents and will keep tenants and leaseholders safe.

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing

The option to make no change was considered but rejected, as it would result in the continuation of inconsistent and reactive service delivery, limiting the Council’s ability to meet demand effectively and achieve value for money. It would also reduce overall assurance, coordination, and alignment with statutory duties and strategic priorities.

Carry Out the Services in House

The option to deliver services/works fully in-house was also considered but not progressed. While some elements may be delivered internally, the scale, complexity, and varied nature of housing-related works require access to a broader range of skills, capacity, and specialist expertise. An external multi-supplier approach therefore provides greater flexibility, resilience, and the ability to respond effectively to changing demand.