Issue - meetings

Report ES 16043

This report was written by Jim McGowan, Head of Environmental Protection.

The report had been written so that the PDS Committee and the Portfolio Holder were informed concerning the current status of the contracts for Stray and Abandoned Dogs, and Pest Control. The report explained that the current contracts were due to end in March 2017. The report outlined the service requirements and the recommended commissioning strategy to ensure continuity of service from 1^st April 2017.

It was the case that not only was there a requirement for a contract extension, but there was an additional requirement for logistical reasons to build in options for contract extensions if required.

It was proposed to market tender both services in lots, in order to test the market and obtain VFM.

The services were going to be tendered in the following lots, and then an evaluation process would follow:

·  Lot 1: Dog Warden, Kennelling and Rehoming and Pest Control

·  Lot 2: Dog Warden

·  Lot 3: Kennelling

·  Lot 4: Re-homing

·  Lot 5: Pest Control

The Committee heard that the current contractor provided the services around the dogs, but also provided the Pest Control service with added value. The current contractor provided a discounted service for pest control for those on benefits; the number of residents in the Borough who were receiving this discount was 15%. LBB’s prices for pest control services using the current contractor were, generally speaking, cheaper than other boroughs and private companies.

It was the case that LBB could end up with 1 or 4 contracts. In considering the cost of multiple contracts, it was the case that the cost of officer time would also have to be considered as part of the Evaluation process.

Mr McGowan explained the use of ‘bait points’. A ‘bait point’ was a point where bait would be placed to see if it was eaten or not. If bait was eaten, it would mean that rats or mice existed in that area, and so action would be required. If the bait was not eaten, it meant that the area concerned was free of rats or mice.

The PDS Committee was happy to accept the recommendations of the report.

RESOLVED that

(1) The Portfolio Holder agree to re-tender the Stray and Abandoned Dogs and Pest Control services for a period of three years, with the potential to extend for two further years, at an estimated total contract value of £620k

(2) The Portfolio Holder agree to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Environment and Community Services (in consultation with the Portfolio Holder) to extend the contract if required.