Decisions

The Deputy Director of Social Work and Social Care Service has noted/approved -

Not to pursue the introduction of charges where we are the Corporate Appointee.

To become the Corporate Deputy for 330 eligible clients, for whom we’re currently Corporate Appointee.

To implement associated charges per the charging policy as set out by the Court of Protection Practice Direction B for being a Corporate Deputy, bringing in £288k per annum once fully operational.

As part of the invest to save model, and to facilitate implementing this change, approved the recruitment of 4 FTEs to the Deputy and Estates Team.

The Deputy Director of Social Work and Social Care Service has approved a 24-month extension of the current contracts for community based short breaks contracts (DN387293) with the extension commencing on 1st April 2023 at an indicative contract value of £2,402,460 across all providers on the agreement for the 24 months period. The providers are Allied Healthcare, Carers Trust Mid Yorkshire, Meridian (previously Synergy) and Springfield Healthcare.

The Deputy Director of Social Work and Social Care Service has noted that throughout the extension period, Adults and Health will continue to develop and test the Community Wellbeing Model as part of its transformation of home care, and consideration will be given to the inclusion of community based short breaks within that model.
The Deputy Director of Social Work and Social Care Service has noted that the Head of Service (Integrated Commissioning) will be responsible for implementing the decision with support from Procurement and Commercial Services and Financial Services.

The Deputy Director of Social Work and Social Care Service has noted budget based on estimate expenditure in 23/24 and 24/25 to be moved from Adult Carers budget to Social Work and Social Care from 1st April 2023.

The Deputy Director of Social Work and Social Care Service has approved the addition of the 12 bungalows at the Middleton site to the wider procurement of extra care support services for the scheme based on the reasons presented in this report. Once approved commissioning officers will commence procurement at the earliest opportunity with the view to awarding contract from the 1st July 2023. This contract will run until 30th June 2026 with the option to extend for a further period of up to 24 months in any combination. Expenditure of £20 per annum will be incurred by the Council as part of the contract arrangement to provide direct financial consideration between Adult Social Care and the eventual service provider. The inclusion of the bungalows is estimated to add a further £87,746.39 to the potential annual income for any selected provider. This will be achieved through charges for planned care and support for which Adult Social Care (ASC) may be liable for up to 100% of the cost. This expenditure would take the form of Council contributions towards individual care costs following a financial assessment and falls under the Council’s statutory duties as defined in the Care Act 2014.

The Deputy Director of Social Work and Social Care Service has noted that officers on behalf of Adults and Health Integrated Commissioning and Procurement and Commercial Services will complete all the actions necessary to ensure the arrangements for the bungalows and wider extra care site are completed and a contract is in place for the 1st of July 2023, including suitable lead-in time.

At the Annual Council Meeting delegated authority was given to the Chief Executive to provide additional nominations, or to revise existing nominations, as required by WYCA in consultation with group whips.
Following the resignation of a Labour Group Member from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee the Combined Authority require a replacement Engagement Lead Member appointing to that Committee.
Cllr Izaak Wilson to be appointed as the Engagement Lead role on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee

The Chief Officer Resources & Strategy approved the clawback of excess schools balance 2021/22 of £385,252 from Hugh Gatiskell Primary School.

The Chief Officer Community Hubs, Welfare and Business Support gave approval to accept £323,950 funding from the West Yorkshire Mayoral Fund, to cover period November 2022 – April 2023.
The funding will be used in the following ways:
•£75k to Leeds Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to cover significant increase in costs (inflation, pay award, venue costs) in the Advice Contract; and
•£248,950 Remainder to Voluntary Action Leeds (VAL) to administer funding pots to the Leeds Warm Spaces network

The Chief Officer Highways and Transportation;
a) Increased the scope of works of the Advance Works contract to include the refurbishment of units 17 and 18 on Dark Neville Street and the soft strip of the former Shababs restaurant.
b) Extended the Advance Works contract programme to include the above works and also extend the traffic management arrangements as a result of the utilities diversions works on Bishopgate Street incurred as a result of delays in statutory undertaker availability.
c) Approved the Neville Street and Bishopgate Street lighting and cladding designs and CCTV column design, noting that the lighting on Bishopgate Street will be delivered as part of the main works.
d) Provided approval to accept the decorative lighting on Neville Street as a new LCC asset to be maintained by Street Lighting and funded from the monies originally allocated for the cladding on Neville Street which will become a Network Rail asset upon completion of the Neville Street works.
e) Provided authority to vary the contract under Contract Procedure Rule 21.7 to increase the value of the Advanced Works contract in accordance with Rule 10 of the Financial Regulations to deliver the Neville Street lighting and cladding works, the refurbishment of units 17 and 18 on Dark Neville Street, drainage works and the soft strip of the former Shababs restaurant. The total cost of the Advance Works contract is now £3.76m of which £2.89m was previously approved in April 2022.
f) Injected authority to spend of £10.451m as a result of inflationary cost increases to the target cost of the main works funded by WYCA Transforming Cities Fund subject to final Combined Authority Committee approval on the 8th December 2022.

That the Director of Children and Families approves the amalgamation of the following Little Owls Day care settings;
Armley Chapel Lane to Armley Moor
Richmond Hill to Osmondthorpe
Dewsbury Road to New Bewerley and City & Holbeck
Middleton Over 3’s to Middleton Laurel Bank

The Chief Officer (Highways and Transportation);
a) Noted the detail of the highway works as set out in paragraphs 1-8 in the Design and Cost report and as shown on the plan included at Appendix 4;
b) Gave authority to negotiate the terms of and enter into an agreement with the developer under the provisions of Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980; with the works to be designed and implemented by the City Council on behalf of the developer;
c) Requested the City Solicitor to revoke the existing Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) on the A659 Westgate in proximity of the proposed works and advertise a Draft TRO for ‘No Waiting at Any Time’; and if no valid objections are received, to make, seal and implement the Orders as advertised; and
d) Gave authority to incur capital expenditure of £1,480,000 consisting of £1,130,000 civil works costs, £190,000 staff fees and £160,000 commuted sums, all of which will be fully funded through the Section 278 agreement.

The Chief Officer (Highways and Transportation);
a) Noted the detail of the highway works as set out in paragraphs 1-4 in the Design and Cost report and as shown on the plan included at Appendix 3;
b) Gave authority to negotiate the terms of and enter into an agreement with the developer under the provisions of Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980; with the highway scheme to be designed and implemented by the City Council on behalf of the developer;
c) Requested the City Solicitor to revoke the existing Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) on Kirkstall Road up to Willow Road / Viaduct Road junction and advertise a Draft TRO for 'No Loading at Any Time'; and if no valid objections are received, to make, seal and implement the new TRO as advertised; and
d) Gave authority to incur capital expenditure of £650,000 consisting of £500,000 civil works costs, £100,000 staff fees and £50,000 commuted sums, all of which will be fully funded through the Section 278 agreement.

The Chief Officer Operations and Active Leeds approved a high value procurement via an open procurement through Yortender in accordance with CPR9, in relation to a DFT funded Active Travel Social Prescribing Pilot. The procurement will be for a maximum fee of £150,000.

The Chief Officer, Culture & Economy has approved the award on a contract for the supply of beers wines and spirits to Matthew Clark Bibendum Limited. The contract will commence on 1 January 2023 for a period of three years, with a possible 1 year + 1 year extension.

The Director of City Development:
1. Granted approval to purchase the properties, detailed in Confidential Appendix B, at Market Value as determined by Land & Property and authorised their use as designated Rough Sleeper accommodation, to be managed by Leeds Housing Options.
2. Authorised the required expenditure to enable the programme to progress the property acquisitions detailed in Confidential Appendix B. These property acquisitions will be funded from the Council Housing Growth Programme budget, via a combination of Housing Revenue Account (HRA) borrowing and a Homes England grant of £50,000 per property.
3. Noted that Executive Board granted Authority to Spend for the programme on 24th July 2019.
4. Noted that written approval to bring the properties back into council housing stock was provided by the Chief Officer (Housing) of Communities, Housing & Environment on the 29th September 2022, 6thOctober 2022 and 13th October 2022.

The Chief Officer Community Hubs, Welfare and Business Support gave approval to provide funding of £1,110,000 to three organisations in Leeds to distribute funding to a range of third sector organisations and charities to provide clients on low incomes and in need with support for food, fuel and essential items. The organisations are;
• Leeds Food Aid Network - £490,000
• Forum Central- £300,000
• Voluntary Action Leeds- £320,000

Leeds City Council has been allocated £7,098,648.16 to spend between 1st October 2022 and 31st March 2022
This is a significant operational decision as a direct consequence of a key decision relating to the Household Support Fund for Leeds, ref D55289 and therefore not open to call in
For more information please refer to that decision.

The Chief Officer (Highways and Transportation);
a) Noted the detail of the highway works described in outline in paragraph 3 of this report and shown on plan 1907 101F General Arrangement and Highway Dedication plan attached at Appendix 3;
b) Gave authority to negotiate the terms of and enter into an agreement with the developer under the provisions of Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980; whereby the works associated with the development are carried out by the developer, fully-funded by the developer, and overseen by the Council.
c) Gave authority to incur expenditure of £5,000 staff costs to be fully funded by the developer through the S278 Agreement.
d) Approved alterations to the footway with reference to the powers contained in Section 66(4) of the Highways Act 1980.
e) Approved the adoption of new highway construction on land outlined blue on drawing number 1907 101F (Appendix 3) so that it can be added to the Council’s maintenance regime through the powers of Section 38 of the Highways Act 1980.

The Head of Asset Management has given approval to the freehold transfer of this site to the Aireborough Learning Partnership Trust on the terms outlined in the report.

The Chief Officer Asset Management & Regeneration has approved that Abbey Mills be marketed for sale by auction on the open market and that the sale be completed at a price no lower than an approved reserve price.

The Chief Officer, Culture and Economy has approved to award a contract for the Supply of Snacks and Drinks to J L Brooks Ltd.
The contract is due to commence on 5th December 2022 for a period of 1 year, with 4 x 12-month extensions. The estimated annual value is £45,037.31 (the total estimated value including extensions is £225,186.55).

The Director of City Development:
1. Granted approval to purchase the properties, detailed in Confidential Appendix B, at Market Value as determined by Land & Property and authorised their use as designated Rough Sleeper accommodation, to be managed by Leeds Housing Options.
2. Authorised the required expenditure to enable the programme to progress the property acquisitions detailed in Confidential Appendix B. These property acquisitions will be funded from the Council Housing Growth Programme budget, via a combination of Housing Revenue Account (HRA) borrowing and a Homes England grant of £50,000 per property.
3. Noted that Executive Board granted Authority to Spend for the programme on 24th July 2019.
4. Noted that written approval to bring the properties back into council housing stock was provided by the Chief Officer (Housing) of Communities, Housing & Environment on 1st November 2022.

The Chief Officer Civic Enterprise Leeds approved the authority to procure contracts for the supply of fresh bread and morning goods to commence 8th May 2023 for two years, with 1x12 month extensions.
Estimated value £145,000 per annum (£435,000 including extensions)

The Chief Officer, Highways & Transportation;

a) Noted and approved the proposed layout of Phase One of the Southern Gateway Scheme as shown on the attached drawing TM/05/855/GA/01
b) Given authority to issue the works and construct the scheme as shown.
c) Noted that phase one of this scheme, valued at £1m, is to be funded entirely from the West Yorkshire Combined Authorities Transforming Cities Fund as previously approved by Executive Board.
d) Noted that phase two of this scheme will be subject to a further report and approval.
e) Approved the request the City Solicitor to advertise Traffic Regulation orders as detailed on drawing TM-05-855-TRO-01 and, subject to no objections being received, make and seal the orders as advertised.
f) Approved with reference to the powers contained in Section 66(4) of the Highways Act 1980, that the relevant lengths of footway shown on attached Drawing No TM/05/855/GA/01 as proposed cycle tracks are removed and that following the removal of the footways, cycle tracks are constructed under the powers contained under the provisions of section 65(1) of the Highways Act 1980 for segregated or shared joint use by pedal cyclists and pedestrians.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £191,884.15.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £208,571.95.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £340,132.55.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £455,571.10.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Deputy Director, Access & Care Delivery approved the contents of a report regarding a care plan in respect of a person with complex care needs, the individual cost of which is £160,000-00 per annum. It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable citizen of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live independently in a safe environment. This is a new support plan and CHC assessment is still to be completed.

The Deputy Director, Access & Care Delivery approved the contents of a report regarding a care plan in respect of a person with complex care needs, the individual cost of which is £204,059.58 per annum. It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable citizen of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live independently in a safe environment. This is a new support plan and is Vale of York CHC fund 3 hours per day, Advised by CHC assessor – Leeds that was involved it is a 75% / 25% split between Leeds/ Vale of York CHC.

The Deputy Director, Access & Care Delivery approved the contents of a report regarding a care plan in respect of a person with complex care needs, the individual cost of which is £413,972.00 per annum. It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable citizen of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live independently in a safe environment. This is a new support plan and the service user will pay the client contribution. CHC checklist completed

The Deputy Director, Access & Care Delivery approved the contents of a report regarding a care plan in respect of a person with complex care needs, the individual cost of which is £527,228.00 per annum. It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable citizen of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live independently in a safe environment. This is a new support plan and is 100% CHC funded.

The Deputy Director, Access & Care Delivery approved the contents of a report regarding a care plan in respect of a person with complex care needs, the individual cost of which is £172,137.70 per annum. It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable citizen of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live independently in a safe environment. This is a new support plan and is 100% CHC funded.

The Deputy Director, Access & Care Delivery approved the contents of a report regarding a care plan in respect of a person with complex care needs, the individual cost of which is £109,200-00 per annum. It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable citizen of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live independently in a safe environment. This is a new support plan and is not eligible for CHC funding. The service user is contributing £133.39 per week and is in the process of applying for PIP.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £208,571.95.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £253,937.80.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £244,064.55.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £312,943.70.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Chief Officer (Highways & Transportation);

a) Noted the contents of this report
b) Approved the School Streets Evaluation Report and its recommendations provided as Appendix 1.
c) Reconfirmed the objectives of School Streets in Leeds as:
d) Set up a School Streets Steering Group to make to make key decisions about the selection and prioritisation of future School Street sites (note that it is recommended that Leeds City Council’s Highways Board will remain the final decision-making body for policy decisions relating to School Streets including annual monitoring).
e) Approved the proposed three-stage selection and prioritisation process for future School Streets in Leeds. This can then be applied fully to the selection of Phase 3 School Streets in Leeds.
f) Considered an annual funding programme and source of funding for future implementation of School Streets. Options may include:
a. Schools self-funded (as per school crossing patrol process)
b. Planning contributions – estimated costs could be included in the annual publication of H&T fees and charges)
g) Considered and agree the need for additional (dedicated) staffing resource to oversee the implementation of future School Streets. School Travel Plan review fees could fund an SO2 FTE post.
h) Confirmed the preferred legal Traffic Regulation Order instrument to be used for future School Streets in Leeds: Experimental Traffic Regulation Order ((E)TRO), then full Traffic Regulation Order or straight into full TROs.
i) Approved a recommendation to source and trial folding School Streets signs to overcome the need for and expense of ‘sign-bagging’ during school holidays as the TRO applies all year round.
j) Acknowledged the current limitations on enforcing School Streets restrictions. Instruct further work to agree how School Streets will be enforced in Leeds with and without potential additional Section 6 powers.
k) Confirmed Leeds City Councils’ intention to apply to the Secretary of State for Transport, DfT for a Designation Order under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004. This would designate Leeds City Council as an enforcement authority with moving traffic enforcement powers in Leeds, so that civil enforcement of moving traffic contraventions, including prescribed traffic signs for use at School Street schemes can be undertaken.
l) Agreed an ongoing evaluation and monitoring programme for School Streets installed in Leeds and the resourcing of it.

The Chief Officer, Resources & Strategy agreed to:

• Approve authority to spend and incur expenditure of £450,000 from capital scheme number 33471/NTG/000 to allow the contractor to place key orders to ensure the accommodation associated with the SEN provision is delivered for September 2023.

• Note the programme dates identified in section 8 of this report and the urgency to ensure the build solution is available from September 2023.

• Note that the officer responsible for implementation is the Head of Learning Systems in Children’s and Families Directorate.

The Director, Adults and Heath has approved the award of a twelve month contract through a direct award via the ESPO 664_1 Framework for Consultancy Services to ARCC HR Ltd to support the home care transformation programme from 28th November 2022 (with an extension provision of up to a further 12 months) with a total potential value of £150,000.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £450,775.00.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £194,753.05.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £196,056.10.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £193,450.00.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £339,450.00.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Chief Officer (Highways and Transportation) approved the recommendation to extend the Bridges Maintenance and Masonry Repairs 2019 – 2021 Contract for a further 12 months to 30th November 2022 with Hinko Construction Ltd, Coating Services Ltd, RAM Services Ltd and Route One Infrastructure Ltd. The estimated cost of the 12-month extension for Leeds City Council is approximately £550,000.00.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £284,178.05.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Director of Public Health has:-

Approved one off non recurrent funding of £129,734 to Leeds Sexual Health Service to respond to the unprecedented monkeypox outbreak whilst managing increased demand on sexual health services. This activity and funding is for the period of November 2022 to March 2023.

Approved the variation of the current contract with LCHT in accordance with Contract Procedure Rule (CPR) 21.6 and 21.7 for the implementation of this one off funding.

Noted that this funding will be spent by the 31st of March 2023, any unused funding that cannot be used for this purpose will be returned to the Public Health Team at the Council.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment noted the tender evaluation process and approved the award of the contract to Stroma Specialist Access Ltd, for the Steeplejack and Roofing Surveys Including Minor Repairs of Multi Storey Flats for a period of three years with the option to extend for up to 12 months. The start date for this contract will be the 12th December 2022 with and initial end date of 11th December 2025 with the option to extend for up to 12 months for an estimated value of £200,000 per annum.

This is a Significant Operational Decision and a direct consequence of a key decision taken on 21/6/22 ref D55358 and therefore is not eligible for call in

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £200,750.00.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Chief Officer Community Hubs, Welfare and Business Support gave approval for funding of £240,000 to six advice charities in Leeds who will receive up to £40,000 each to provide clients on low incomes and in need with support for food, fuel and essential items. The organisations are;
o Citizens Advice Leeds
o Chapeltown Citizens Advice Bureau
o Burmantoft Community Projects
o Gipsil
o Better Leeds Communities
o St Vincents Support Centre

• Leeds City Council has been allocated £7,098,648.16 to spend between 1st October 2022 and 31st March 2022.

• This is a significant operational decision as a direct consequence of a key decision taken on 26.5.22 regarding the Household Support Fund for Leeds ref D55289. For more information please see the report relating to the key decision.

a. The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment approved the acceptance of the Government Winter Pressures funding of £183,680 for 2022/23 and its use for activities as described in this report including block booked beds, additional accommodation and a personalised budget.

b. Approved an allocation of up to £12,698 as grant to St Anne’s Community Services to fund weekend opening at the Resource Centre.

c. Approved an allocation of up to £7,982 as grant to Change Grow Live to fund additional weekend outreach sessions.

The Director of City Development agreed to:
a) Accept the Multiply Funding Agreement from WYCA for a local authority grant allocation of £1,274,399 over Years 2022 – 2025.
b) Authorise the Council to, sign, seal and return the agreement to the WYCA legal team.

The Director, Children & Families agreed the recommendation of a report relating to the placement of a child/young person. The individual costs of the place are £170,487.85.

It is considered in the public interest that information contained in the report is exempt from publication as it relates to a vulnerable child or young person of the City and the actions being taken to enable that person to live in a safe environment.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment has taken the decision:
• To approve the spend of £208,095 of Home Office grant funding as per the funding application submitted by the West Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority of behalf of Leeds City Council.

The Director of Communities, Housing and Environment has:-

a) Approved the award of a contract to Horticon Limited to the value of £125,530 to deliver a community garden in Lincoln Green.

b) Recognised that Appendix 1 – Tender Analysis Report – should be designated exempt from publication in accordance with information procedure rule 10.4(3).

The Chief Officer of Housing gave his approval to extend the current Fire Equipment Contract for 3 months to enable a procurement process to be undertaken. The extension will be for 3 months. This will ensure we do not encounter a gap in service delivery. The new contract will be for a three-year period with an option to extend by 2 x 12 months to start on the 1st April. This extension bridges the gap between Jan and March 2023.

This extension of 3 months is within the procedural rules that allow sufficient time to manage a new procurement. The governance for the new contract is already in place and the procurement project has started and is on target to deliver within the timescales of this extension.