Issue - meetings

Report DRR14/089

Members were briefed on the outcome of the market intelligence exercise concerning Facility Management and Public Protection Services. Report DRR14/089 set out a commissioning programme in line with the Council’s financial strategy, commencing with a “gateway” report to the Executive in February 2015, including confirmation of the baseline option that would be market tested. There would be detailed work on specifications for all the services which would be key to achieving a successful outcome. Under the Community Right to Challenge, expressions of interest could be made by staff or community groups before 31^st December 2014.

The timetable for the project had been developed so it could be delivered as far as possible without the risk of challenge. Due diligence of contractors was needed by L B Bromley and contractors would need to carry out due diligence of L B Bromley. Stages in the procurement path were outlined to Members and Member approval would be sought at key points in the process.

Councillor Wilkins (Crystal Palace) felt that both services and rates of pay for staff could decline in the private sector and she was sceptical that savings could be made through contracting out the services. She was particularly concerned about the level of service that would be provided and hoped there would be effective engagement with end users. In response, it was highlighted that further reports would be provided with opportunities for Member input. Although the services would be market tested, this was not indicative of them all being outsourced. Some organisations had advantages of scale for absorbing costs and better ICT models which a small organisation would not possess. L B Bromley also had a good track record of dealing with contracts and monitoring performance. This worked well by having a “thin” client. A number of existing contractors were also required to attend relevant PDS meetings and account for service performance; officers also maintained an ongoing dialogue. More would also be expected of Members to scrutinise contracts effectively. Given the financial climate, there was no alternative to commissioning.

Supporting market testing, the Portfolio Holder for Renewal and Regeneration suggested that it was not essential to package services into large bundles. 

RESOLVED that as part of the tender process:

(1) the services identified at Appendix 1 to Report DRR14/089 form the basis for the ‘bundle’ of services to be market tested, subject to any further comments that might be received and finalised at the Gateway report stage; and 

(2) expressions of interest be sought under the Community Right to Challenge until 31^st December 2014.