The Cabinet of Havering Council met on Wednesday 25 September 2024 to approve significant procurement contracts for housing maintenance and improvements, and to review the council's first quarter performance report. Key decisions included the approval of contracts totalling hundreds of millions of pounds for major works, electrical services, and compliance services for council housing, alongside plans for the roof replacement at Havering Town Hall.

Large Complex Works and Street Retrofit

The Cabinet approved the procurement of two contracts, with a total value of up to £350 million over 10 years (with an option to extend for a further six years), for major works on council housing and corporate buildings. These contracts will cover large complex block works and street retrofit and internal works. The evaluation criteria were adjusted from the council's default 70% Price: 30% Quality to a MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) basis of 50% Quality, 40% Price, and 10% Social Value. The procurement will utilise the Mercell portal, managed by Lumensol Limited. Authority to award the contracts and enter into terms post-tender was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing and other relevant officers.

Havering Town Hall Roof Replacement - Permission to Tender

The Cabinet approved the commencement of a tendering process for the replacement of the roof at Havering Town Hall. The project includes replacing the flat roof and roof lanterns, repairing parapet walls, and installing photovoltaic panels and new HVAC units. The projected start date for the works is June 2025, with completion in December 2025. Authority to award the contract to the successful bidder was delegated to the Director of Place. The report highlighted that the PV panels are projected to generate significant energy savings and reduce carbon emissions.

Compliance Contracts Procurement

Approval was given for the procurement of a suite of six contracts, with an aggregate value of up to £94,050,000 over 10 years (with a six-year extension option), for safety inspections and building compliance checks and works. These contracts will primarily cover council housing but will also include corporate buildings. Similar to other procurement decisions, a waiver was approved to use a 50% Quality, 40% Price, and 10% Social Value weighting, and the Mercell portal will be used for procurement. Authority to award these contracts was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place.

Approval to Award a Contract for Delivery of Electrical Services to HRA Homes and Communal Areas

A contract for electrical services maintenance and renewal, with a total value of up to £63 million over 10 years (with a six-year extension option), was approved for procurement. This contract will cover electrical system maintenance, safety inspections, and renewal services for council housing and corporate buildings. The evaluation criteria were adjusted to a 50% Quality, 40% Price, and 10% Social Value weighting, and the Mercell portal will be used. Authority to award the contract was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place. The report noted the importance of this contract in meeting the council's net zero carbon target by 2040, particularly concerning systems like EV charging and Solar PV.

7 Year Cyclical Decorations Programme

The Cabinet approved the award of a seven-year contract to Trident Maintenance Services Ltd for cyclical decorations and associated repair works to HRA properties, with a maximum value of £20 million. This contract aims to implement a redecoration cycle where all housing blocks are redecorated externally and communal areas internally, and street properties externally, every seven years. Leaseholders were consulted prior to the tender process.

Roof Replacements 2024/25

Approval was given for the procurement of a contract with a total value of up to £4,000,000 for the replacement of roofs to HRA properties. This contract is intended as an interim measure until the end of the financial year 25/26, while a more extensive procurement exercise for longer-term roofing maintenance is undertaken. The works will be carried out on street properties only and are not subject to Section 20 Leasehold consultation. Authority to award the contract was delegated to the Strategic Director of Place.

Corporate Plan 2024-27: Q1 Performance Report (2024/25)

The Cabinet considered and noted the Quarter 1 performance report for the Corporate Plan 2024-27. The report indicated that out of 113 measured Corporate Performance Indicators, 32 had been given a RAG status: 17 were Green (above target), 2 were Amber (below target but within tolerance), and 13 were Red (below target and outside tolerance). The report highlighted that performance delivery is expected to be achieved within existing resources, despite significant financial challenges. The council's overall vision remains The Havering you want to be part of, with three key objectives: Supporting residents to stay safe and well; A great place to live, work and enjoy; and Enabling a resident-focused and resilient Council.