Consultation closed 4 November 2024. Below you will find key themes from the observations we have received.
As a part of our commitment to maintaining and improving our properties we are planning to enter into a new long-term agreement for professional services in Structural Engineering and Architecture and we are seeking your input before before drafting specifications and seeking tenders.
The contract will cover services that will cost more than £250 per property and will cover the follow areas:
- Reactive and planned investigations
- Structural investigations and reports
- Arboricultural investigations and reports
- Soils investigations and reports
- Architectural services including designs, drawn plans, structural calculations.
- Permits and licencing including planning, building control, party-wall, scaffolding, etc.
- Consultancy on the above and all associated works
The proposed contract will last for three years, with an option to extend for another two years, starting around January/February 2025.
Notice of Intention letters have been sent out to all Leaseholders who will have until 4 November to respond. We will respond to all observations within 21 days.
Notice of Intention - Professional Structural Engineering QLTA - October 2024.pdf
We will notify the Leaseholders of the proposal.
We will notify the Leaseholders of the agreement entered into with the supplier
These represent the key themes that emerged in the observations and questions that we have received in response to the Notice of Intent dated 2 October 2024. The Leaseholders had 21 days to contact us with any queries, and this stage of consultation closed on 4 November 2024.
Number of similar observations: 8
Question: How will the procurement process ensure that costs are lower than the current provider, what safeguards are in place to prevent monopolistic pricing, and what are the estimated costs for leaseholders, especially those on limited incomes?
Our response: Our current contract with the repairs and maintenance contractor is ending, and we will procure the services listed in the consultation letter directly in the future to ensure value for money. The tender process will begin after the consultation period, and it will be based on both price and quality assessments. Costs will only be incurred for properties where these services are provided.
We have not issued the tender at this stage, this will take place following consultation period. As part of Section 20 consultation, we have to make all leaseholders aware of the procurement in case anyone wants to propose a company/contractor to tender for the works. The tender will be issued on a price and quality assessment basis. Costs will only be incurred for the properties where these services are provided in the future.
Number of similar observations: 6
Question: Can you provide detailed information about the specific works mentioned in the recent letters and clarify the status of current and future repairs?
Our response: The services being procured are listed in the letter. The procurement is for surveys and not for remedial works. All remedial works and general repairs are currently being carried out by our Repairs & Maintenance contractor Mears Plc.
The consultation is about specific future services as listed in the letter.
For more details on Qualified Long Term Agreements visit.
Number of similar observations: 2
Question: What criteria will be used to select the contractor, and how will their performance and accountability be ensured?
Our response: The purpose of this consultation is to inform leaseholders about our intent to procure these services differently than in the past. We will not go to the market until the consultation concludes and we have considered all observations.
Currently, these services are provided through our main repairs and maintenance contract, which is ending. We are in the process of procuring a new contractor for repairs and maintenance. To ensure value for money, we plan to procure the services outlined in the consultation directly and separately from the main contractor.
There are no specific planned works being consulted on at this time. This consultation is to inform you that we will be appointing a new contractor to maintain continuity of these services. This will only affect you once a contractor is in place and if work is carried out on your property that requires these services. Any specific works would be subject to further leasehold consultation regarding any proposed costs that would affect you.
Number of similar observations: 2
Question: Can certain notices or requests be put on hold due to ongoing discussions?
Our response: This consultation is for a new contract for the services listed in the letter and will not affect your current discussions with the Council.
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