Decision

The Director of Neighbourhood Services has
authorised the award of a contract to Altitude Services Ltd for a
period of nine months, commencing on 2 March 2026. The procurement
has been undertaken via a tender process in accordance with the YPO
Framework DPS 925 and relates to the provision of electrical power
connections and service transfers to street lighting assets and
other illuminated street furniture. These works are to be delivered
by an Independent Connection Provider (ICP) under contestable
arrangements through a Tri-Partite Agreement with Scottish Power
Energy Networks.

The total contract value is £425,000.

Reasons for the decision

Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN)
introduced significant increases to their operational charges for
highway power connections during 2025. These increased costs made
continued reliance on their services financially unsustainable for
the Council.
Following changes to Ofgem’s competition framework, certain
elements of electrical connection works can now be delivered by
Independent Connection Providers (ICPs). Wirral Council has made
use of ICPs for a number of years through a Tri-Partite agreement,
and the recent escalation in SPEN’s costs has further
strengthened the financial case for expanding the use of
ICPs.
This contract will be fully funded from Capital allocations within
the City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS),
supporting delivery of active travel infrastructure and related
strategic objectives.
Altitude Services Ltd has been appointed to deliver ICP services
for street lighting and illuminated street furniture. The contract
will operate initially for a nine month period.
The award of this contract will enable the Council to progress a
significant number of schemes that were previously deferred
following the unexpected rise in SPEN’s operational charges.
Substantial savings are anticipated, allowing a greater volume of
work to be delivered within the approved budgets and providing
improved value for money for residents.

Alternative options considered

(a) Continue using SPEN and as such this would
result in a sizeable reduction in completed work due to their
increased operational costs. Therefore, this is not a financially
advantageous option.

(b) Do not complete the work – this option was not considered
due to the volume of enquiries and political pressure to repair /
replace failed lighting stock.