Issue - meetings

A request for a call in had been submitted in relation to the award of the Homelessness, Housing Advice and Housing Register contract to Midland Heart for the period 1 April 2014 – 31 March 2017 with the option to extend for a further three years on satisfactory performance.

Members of the Committee listened to the arguments put forward by the Lead Call-In Member including the reasons for the call-in and the justification of the proposals set out in the call-in form.  The main grounds for the call-in were:-

·          That the decision was inconsistent with another Council policy.

·          The decision gave rise to significant legal, financial or property issues.

The current arrangements for the Homelessness, Housing Advice and Housing Register contract were due to expire on the 31 March 2013 and the Council had a statutory duty to ensure that services were in place to meet the needs of local residents regarding homelessness and housing options. 

The Portfolio Holder stated that only one tender had been received with lengthy discussions carried out with the organisation.  It was acknowledged that Aspire Housing had absorbed some costs and this would be taken into account.

A vote was taken and three Members voted in favour of the call-in and five Members rejected the call-in.

Resolved:-

(a)   That the call-in be rejected and the decision made by Cabinet at the meeting held on the 15 January 2014 take immediate effect.

(b)   That the item be submitted to a future Economic Development and Enterprise Scrutiny for monitoring.

That the Homelessness, Housing Advice and Housing Register contract be awarded to Midland Heart for the period 1st April 2014 – 31st March 2017, with the option to extend for a further three years on satisfactory performance.

That the Executive Director for Regeneration and Development  be authorised in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Regeneration and Town Centres, to finalise negotiations with Midland Heart on the precise details within the service specification to ensure that the contract offers maximum value for money.

That once the contract is formally up and running the Council engages with Members to ensure that they are aware of the service and that appropriate training be provided to members regarding the new provisions.

A report was submitted regarding the delivery of a housing advice, homelessness and housing register. This service was a statutory function, which meant the Council had to provide assistance to assist individuals and families who were homeless or threatened with homelessness who applied for help. The report outlined the outcome from the tendering exercise for the NHA – Homelessness, Housing Advice and Housing Register Contract and made recommendations to Cabinet to seek approval in the award of the NHA contract.

Members thanked the Officer involved for her work and thanked Aspire for its work under the previous contract including the additional support that had been provided to residents.

Resolved:

a)    That the Homelessness, Housing Advice and Housing Register contract be awarded to Midland Heart for the period 1st April 2014 – 31st March 2017, with the option to extend for a further three years on satisfactory performance.

b)    That the Executive Director for Regeneration and Development  be authorised in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Regeneration and Town Centres, to finalise negotiations with Midland Heart on the precise details within the service specification to ensure that the contract offers maximum value for money.

c)    That once the contract is formally up and running the Council engages with Members to ensure that they are aware of the service and that appropriate training be provided to members regarding the new provisions.