On 6 October 2023 Cabinet considered a report titled ‘Levelling Up Fund and Capital Regeneration Projects - Progressing the Projects to Planning Permission’. As part of that report, Cabinet delegated authority to the Corporate Director Place and Economy in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism to procure appropriate resources and commission a project team to carry out the associated work including for the design briefs.
Further to the above and the decision to award the contract published on 27/03/2024, the appointed consultant has continually failed to perform to the required standard despite attempts by officers to rectify the situation. Formal warnings have been issued to the consultant with the consultation of the Council's Director of Governance and Monitoring Officer, and Section 151 Officer, however no improvement has been made by the consultant in the performance of the contract.
The Employer’s Agent and Quantity Surveyor appointment constitute a crucial element of the consultant team and important to ensure robust project management and cost control.