Agenda item

Members were reminded that the Committee at its meeting in July 2013 had considered a report in response to a member call in relation to concerns raised about areas of the leasehold service. Committee Members were provided with details of progress made on improvements to the Leasehold Service and specifically with regard to the points raised at the July meeting as follows:

• That provision of the Interserve interface and other appropriate IT improvements should be a priority to enable the introduction of the tenant on-line system: Although Interserve were currently working on the introduction of a new repairs management system, the partnering contract was due for renewal during 2015 which would delay the development of the Tenant Online Services.
• The rolling continuation of monthly repayments from leaseholders year on year as now agreed by Arvato to be confirmed as standard practice: this action had been completed. 
• A flat fee management charge rather than a percentage charge: a review of the management fee and benchmarking exercise with other providers through the Leasehold Excellence Network were underway.  Once the management fee had been decided a report would be presented to Cabinet for approval. 

Members discussed the processes and procedures involved regarding the procurement process relating to leaseholder services. It was explained that the Property Services Department were responsible for the letting of contracts. Members expressed their concerns in ensuring that leaseholders were provided with value for money and stated that where possible, contracts should be given to local businesses. It was agreed that officers involved in the procurement and contracts process for leaseholder services be invited to a future meeting to discuss further the processes involved in the tendering of contracts and delivery of the relevant services. 

Resolved – 

(a)  That the report be noted.

   (b)  That the Director for Customer and Community Services, Assistant Director for Housing and Environment and Assistant Director for Commissioning and Procurement be invited to attend a future meeting to discuss the procurement and contracts process.