To consider and approve an extension to the term of the existing service provision carried out by Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) for building maintenance and cleaning of council property for a period of 12 months through a direct award of contract tender.

That:

(a)       The term of the current contractor be extended for an initial 12 months with an option to extend for an additional 12 months, through a direct  award, up to a maximum agreed cost of  £12 million per annum, and;

(b)  If the additional 12 month period is required, authority be delegated to the director of economy and place to decide, in consultation with the cabinet member and S.151 Officer, whether to further extend the period of time these recommendations are effective.

1.            Do nothing – and proceed with tender of new contract.

The council could decide to let the current contract expire and proceed with the tender of a new contract, however this is not a recommended option due to the risks associated with the current Covid-19 emergency:- Inflated costs; inability to obtain suitable tender return within time frames, mobilization risks; market place recovery being incomplete and legal challenge that may arise from continuing with the tender process