Decision details

Decision Maker: Chief Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

To issue a direct award via an exemption from procurement rules to carry out a review of Housing Services.

Decision:

To appoint EELGA, via an exemption from procurement rules, to undertake a review of Housing Services to help develop a strategy for improving the delivery of those services in the future.

Alternative options considered:

The East of England Local Government Association (EELGA) were approached to carry out this review and they have confirmed available capacity, utilising consultants that have a long history within Local Government and Housing in particular. They have confirmed a fee proposal of £20k to complete the review, which is based on a cost recovering basis as set out below so is aimed at providing value for money in such instances.
A timescale of early April 2023 for an initial overarching report has been agreed that will set the scene for more detailed reviews of the following areas with the Housing Service.
The following areas are to be included within the review;
•The peer review of the housing department will include in-scope housing strategy and policy, tenancy management, tenant involvement, surveyors and management of the repairs and maintenance service, and homelessness. In addition, the private rented sector team and aids and adaptations team will be out of scope.
•For each of these areas, we will consider the following:
•- People – organisational structure, culture and skills, interdepartmental working.
•- Systems and processes – handling of complaints, repairs (including fire safety and damp and mould), managing contractors, IT and other system support.
•- Budgets – The impact of the 7% rent cap, the balance between capital and revenue spend on repair and maintenance.
•- Governance – Clarity of decision making and accountability, the quality of tenant involvement and empowerment.
Being a not-for-profit organisation, the charging model used by EELGA is based on cost recovery and not maximising profit. Essentially the East of England LGA Talent Bank enables local authorities to draw upon specialist expertise from a pool of quality Associates, who work with local authorities across the region.

Publication date: 30/01/2023

Date of decision: 30/01/2023