The Cabinet Member for Housing introduced the report which summarised the procurement process and its results and sought approval of the recommended contractors for the current Staying Put framework which expired on 30 September 2020.  The Cabinet Member outlined the important work of the Staying-Put team, and explained that there were currently only 7 contractors listed on the current Staying Put framework.  It was proposed that the 18 contractors that had met the minimum requirements should be added to the framework.  The Cabinet Member moved the recommendation in the report.

In response to queries from Members, the Staying Put Manager stated that the majority of the contractors came from the Swale area, and there was a good spread of contractors around the Borough with a new one for each of the main towns i.e. Sittingbourne, Faversham and Sheerness.   She explained that with regard to background checks, as well as the relevant health and safety and insurance checks, contractors were also asked to supply samples of work.  This needed to be of a high standard and was inspected and scored accordingly by the Staying-Put Technical Officers who also spoke to their clients.

Members praised the work of the Staying-Put team and welcomed the report.

Resolved:

(1)      That the Council enters into a new contractor framework for Staying Put starting April 2020 for an initial period of 2 years.