Decision Maker: Chief Executive
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: No
To issue a direct award via an exemption from
procurement rules to carry out a review of Housing Services.
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.
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