Minutes:
The Assistant Director, Housing and Environment, updated the Committee regarding the commissioning of services to tenants and leaseholders. Members were reminded that the previous contract with Interserve was due to expire in 15 months and that this presented an ideal opportunity to shape the services for the future.
Members were informed that a recent Customer Satisfaction Survey had identified that the majority of service users wanted to be involved in setting the framework for the scope of future services. It was noted that a number of focus groups had been established to involve tenants in identifying and suggesting improvements for inclusion in any future contract.
Members questioned the Assistant Director as to what the length of the contract was anticipated to be and what changes would be made with regard to ensuring that smaller businesses within the Slough area were given trade. It was explained that officers were in the process of setting up a database of local businesses and investigating the possibility of them receiving similar rates from suppliers as those given to major contractors. It was envisaged that the contract would be for a period between five to seven years. The timetable for the contract being re-tendered was outlined and Members informed that the new contract would be implemented from April 2016.
Resolved – That the update be noted.
(Councillor Bal left the meeting)