The council is keen to progress the investigation of delivering affordable housing as quickly as possible. Expert advice is required to inform decisions regarding the feasibility of housing schemes on sites across Herefordshire.
ARK have the expertise in this area and are able to contribute detailed financial analysis and modelling to accelerate progression and support the council in meeting the timescales required to feed into the planning for bringing forward housing developments.
ARK already have knowledge and experience of the council’s requirements having previously provided advice that was included in the Cabinet decision on 26 November 2020.
The council has opted to use the ESPO framework which identified ARK as the supplier best able to meet the council’s needs based on their current knowledge and experience, their ability to start the work immediately and on market rate pricing comparison with other suppliers on the framework. ARK have subsequently offered the council a discounted ESPO framework rate to complete the work. The procurement process complies with the council’s contract procedure rules.