Issue - meetings

To consider and decide on the recommendations as set out in the attached report.

RESOLVED –

1.     That delegated authority be given to the Council’s Monitoring Officer and S151 Officer to undertake all legal and financial requirements necessary and document, in order to complete the novation of the Grounds Maintenance Contract from Sudexo Limited to Tivoli Group Limited be approved.

2.     That delegated authority be given to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment to undertake all necessary requirements to extend the term of the Grounds Maintenance Contract by 12 months in consultation with the Council’s Monitoring Officer and S151 Officer and that the Monitoring Officer completes all necessary legal documents to do this be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:

An additional extension would allow time for the Council to review the service and take account of the current financial position and emerging Five Year Plan.

Gary Stevenson, Head of Housing, Health and Environment introduced the report that recommended the novation of the Grounds Maintenance Contract from Sodexo Limited to Tivoli Group Limited  and to extend the existing contract for a period of 12 months. 

Discussion and responses to Members questions included the following:

-       The contract covered grounds maintenance services in the Borough’s parks, sports grounds, crematorium and other open spaces.

-       Sodexo had recently sold their horticultural division to Tivoli Group Limited.

-       Sodexo had sought the Council’s consent to sub contract this work to Tivoli – which had been agreed.  The work continued as previously (same staff etc.), but with different branding.   

-       It was the Council’s view that a direct contract with Tivoli would be more efficient. 

-       The option to extend for a further year would allow the Council additional time to review the service in terms of specification and delivery.

-       It would also allow the Council to review again any opportunities to introduce carbon reducing measures. 

-       A report would come back to Cabinet towards the end of 2021.

RESOLVED –

1.    That delegated authority be given to the Council’s Monitoring Officer and S151 Officer to undertake all legal and financial requirements necessary and document, in order to complete the novation of the Grounds Maintenance Contract from Sudexo Limited to Tivoli Group Limited be approved.

2.    That delegated authority be given to the Head of Housing, Health and Environment to undertake all necessary requirements to extend the term of the Grounds Maintenance Contract by 12 months in consultation with the Council’s Monitoring Officer and S151 Officer and that the Monitoring Officer completes all necessary legal documents to do this be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION:

An additional extension would allow time for the Council to review the service and take account of the current financial position and emerging Five Year Plan.