Purpose

This report recommends acceptance of a tender fromIdverde Ltd, company number 06539986, for the provision of gritter drivers required for the Winter Service Gritting Operation.

The works provided under the proposed contract is to enable the Council to meet its statutory duties under Section 41(1a) of the Highways Act 1980 (as amended) to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow or ice’.

The report supports the delivery of the Council Plan: Wirral Working Together 2023-27, specifically the themes: Safe Resilient and engaged communities, Protect our environment, people focussed regeneration and promoting independence and healthier lives.

Appendix 1 of this report is exempt from publication pursuant to paragraph 3 of the part 1 of Schedule 12 A of the Local Government Act 1972 (Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) because it contains or refers to information relating to the financial and business affairs of tenderers and the Council and the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

Decision

The Director of Neighbourhood Services has agreed to:

1. endorse the competitive tendering exercise that is outlined in paragraph 3 of the accompanying report; and
2. award the contract for the provision of gritter drivers required for the Winter Service Gritting Operation to Idverde Ltd (company registration number 06539986) as the most economically advantageous tenderer for an estimated contract value of £1,400,000 for a term of 3 years, commencing on 1 November 2024, with an option to extend a further 2 years.

Reasons for the decision

The works provided under the proposed contract are to enable the Council to meet its statutory duties under Section 41(1a) of the Highways Act 1980 (as amended) to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow or ice’.

Alternative options considered

Do Nothing. This is not an option as maintaining a safe highway from snow or ice is a statutory duty.

Current staff are not fully trained to operate gritters and unable to operate 24/7 whilst carrying out substantive posts.  It would not be financially viable to employ staff all year round for a 21-week period.