Decisions

This report recommends the disposal of the freehold interest of Former Buffer Bear Site Matthews Gardens New Addington CR0 0DQ (“Buffer Bear”). The objectives for the disposal were to dispose of this asset to raise capital proceeds to assist in funding the Council’s Capital Programme including necessary Capitalisation Directions.  

Details of the valuations received are included within the confidential Part B report, as this is exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), as it relates to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding disclosure outweighs the public interest in disclosure.  

For the reasons set out in the Part A and Part B report and Part B Appendices, the Corporate Director of Resources and Section 151 Officer AGREED:

2.2       to approve the disposal of the freehold Former Buffer Bear Site Matthews Gardens New Addington R0 0DQ (“Buffer Bear”) stated in the confidential Part B report.

This report has been prepared to progress the Council’s review of the charges levied through the Borough’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which was adopted in 2013. Following consultation and agreement with the Executive Mayor, the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration and subsequent reporting of this decision to Cabinet in March 2024, this report seeks agreement from the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery to:  

Approve the publication of the Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) draft Charging Schedule and consultation exercise, to include the draft Charging Schedule, consultant’s review assessment and any other relevant documents, in accordance with The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 as amended in 2019.   

CIL is a charge which can be levied by local authorities on development in their area and is a tool for local authorities to help fund the infrastructure needed to support development. 

The proposed charges have increased to reflect changes to land values in Croydon and to take into account the need for additional infrastructure and community facilities across the borough to support our growing population. The CIL rates vary depending on the type of development involved and where the development will take place. The draft CIL Charging Schedule provided at Appendix 9.1 sets out the proposed new rates required for different types of development and where exemptions apply. 

CIL revenue currently supports the delivery of the Mayor’s Business Plan 2022-26, Croydon Local Plan and CIL revenue contributes towards the Council’s Capital Programme. It is estimated that the updated CIL rates could yield almost £34 million in planned growth up to 2040 in the Croydon Metropolitan Centre, with other less significant gains across other uses across the borough. 

A review of the CIL Charging Schedule is timely as the Borough’s extant CIL charging rates were adopted in 2013. As this is a specialist piece of analysis, the Council has instructed consultants BNP Paribas to undertake a viability assessment to test alternative rates, CIL liable uses and CIL Charging zones, make recommendations and prepare an updated draft CIL Charging Schedule. It is a statutory requirement to consult on a draft Charging Schedule and supporting documents. This is recommended to be for a 6-week period, prior to the examination of the draft CIL Charging Schedule by an appointed Examiner. The proposed statutory consultation will commence in Spring 2025.  

For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices, the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery, AGREED: 

A statutory consultation on the Borough’s Charging Schedule (appendix 1) under Regulation 16 of the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 as amended in 2019, to include the draft Charging Schedule, consultant’s review assessment evidence (appendix 2) and supported by any other relevant documents (see background documents).

At the 12th July 2021 Cabinet meeting, it was agreed to enter into a new s75 Agreement for Public Health Nursing (PHN) – comprising Health Visiting (HV), School Nursing (SN) and the Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) programme - with Croydon Health Service (CHS), for the period 01 July 2021 to 31 March 2028.

The initial term of the contractual Agreement (contract) being 2-years (to 31 July 2023), with options to extend for further periods of 2-years (to 31 July 2025), plus 2-years (to 31 July 2027), plus 1-year (to 31 March 2028), subject to satisfactory progress in performance and at the discretion of the Council. This method allows for 3 break clauses in the contract to review service delivery and performance.

The purpose of this report is to provide the information required to approve the extension and variation of the current Public Health Nursing Section 75 (s75) Agreement. The extension period request is to March 2025, with a contract value of £6.494m + inflation per year. The varied service model will offer an Enhanced Health Visiting offer, in place of the current Family Nurse Partnership (FNP) programme, which will broaden the criteria for vulnerable families with complex needs, thereby ensuring a wider reach and making it even more inclusive and expand the Health Visiting programme to offer five different levels based on the needs of families.

For the reasons set out in the report and Appendices, the Interim Assistant Chief Executive AGREED:

3.1       To approve the remainder of a permitted extension of the existing s75 Agreement arrangement with CHS until 31 July 2027, on the understanding that the s75 Agreement allows for the Council to terminate for convenience - i.e. completion of procurement process and contract awarded – as a permitted extension for the full period combined with the ability to terminate early affords more flexibility.

3.2       To note that the value of the extension, being August 2025 – July 2027 is £14,124,042 plus annual Agenda for Change (AfC) salary uplifts and inflation rates at approximately 2% per year. The aggregated spend inclusive of the extension is estimated to be £39,535,786, which remains within the overall awarded contract value of £48.982m

This report will be about the disposal of 3 Imperial Way. Delegated authority decision is required from the Corporate Director of Resources and s151 Officer to agree the terms and final price for the disposal included within Tranche 1 of the Assets Disposal Plan. 

For the reasons set out in the reports (Part A & B) and appendices (Part A & B) the Corporate Director of Resources and Section 151 Officer AGREED:

2.1To approve the disposal of the freehold interest in the Property to the party named and for the consideration stated in the confidential Part B report.

The report recommends the strategy/plan regarding the procurement of a supplier(s) to provide CCTV installation and maintenance services for the public space systems, systems at housing premises, (multi-storey) car parks and other small systems including cemeteries.

The duration of the contract is to be for five years with a break clause after three to allow the services to be reviewed and re-procure, if required, and an estimated total contract value of £2,546,000.

IMPORTANT: Democratic Services has identified that the link to the report and decision to agree the above procurement strategy is missing from this page, and is currently in the process of being uploaded, as of 14^th March 2025.

The corresponding contract award decision has been taken, and details of the decision and report can be found via the link below:

Issue details - CCTV Upgrade (Procurement Award Report for the provision of supply, installation & maintenance of CCTV) | Croydon Council

RESOLVED:

To approve the strategy identified within the detail of this report for the procurement of a contract to deliver CCTV upgrade, equipment procurement and maintenance services in accordance with the strategy set out in this report for a period of 5-year maximum contract duration (with a break clause after three years) and an estimated total contract value over the 5 year period of £2,550,000.

This report seeks the Executive Mayor’s approval to repurpose 367 Holmesdale Road towards in-house provision of care and for the Council to submit its bid to the Department for Education (DfE) for Capital funding under the Complex Needs Open Children’s Homes Capital Investment programme. No works will be commissioned, as further approvals will be sought either through the appropriate route once the outcome of the Bid and Cost of works have been confirmed.  

The Council has identified 367 Holmesdale Road in South Norwood as an ideal asset to convert to a residential home for children with complex needs. The property was previously subject to on a long lease to the Croydon Churches Housing Association (CCHA) which came to an end in 2023. The property had transferred, to the Council in 1980s, following the disbandment of the Greater London Council, with the benefit of the lease.   

The property consists of 5 bedrooms and separate kitchen, lounge and additional WC facilities. The space and layout makes it ideal to convert into a home of up to three children with complex needs, including rooms also available for care and support staff. Progress of refurbishment works will depend upon the outcome of the Bid to DfE.  

This is the second wave of recent capital funding available from the DfE. This wave has been launched to support capital investment opportunities to develop provision specifically for children with complex mental health needs and challenging behaviour. This Wave 2 funding is to ensure that the system is able to provide a safe home for these vulnerable children and is aimed at: 

• ensuring there is sufficient provision in the right places for children with complex needs 

• ensuring local health and social care teams work together to provide care which meets all of a child’s needs 

• reducing the number of children and young people with complex needs and behaviours being accommodated in unregistered provision. 

This proposal has the potential to save the Council up to £0.668m from an annual cost compared to spot purchases of placements in the private sector. However, a more prudent savings projection of £0.300m is applied based on the analysis detailed in section 7. The cost of private sector placements for children with complex mental health needs and challenging behaviour can be up to £15k per week. The fixed cost to the Council is realistically projected to be £8.25k per week. In house provision provides a material cost reduction against private placements.  

For the reasons set out in the report and its appendices, the Executive Mayor AGREED:

1.1         To approve the Council submits a bid to the Department for Education’s Complex Needs Open Children’s Homes Capital Investment programme to seek capital monies to deliver 367 Holmesdale in South Norwood as a home for children with complex mental health needs and challenging behaviour.

1.2         To approve that subject to the outcome of the Bid, the Council can repurpose 367 Holmesdale in South Norwood to be used as a home for children with complex mental health needs and challenging behaviour.

1.3         To note that, should the Council be successful in its Bid for Wave 2 funding, a subsequent report will be brought back to the Executive Mayor to seek approval to enter into the terms of the Wave 2 funding and seek formal approval to begin the work to convert the building into a suitable home for children with complex mental health needs and challenging behaviour. This will include refresher of the high-level business case presented within this report.

To request the take up of a 5-year Contract of the CCTV Installation and Maintenance.

For the reasons set out in the report, the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery AGREED to:

Award the contract for the provision of CCTV installation and maintenance services to the bidder (A) named in the part B report for five (5) years with a break clause at three (3) years and four (4) years for the contract value stated in Part B of this report.

Redevelopment of the site and erection of a mixed-use development comprising of a maximum of 806 residential units (Use Class C3), coworking and retail space (Use Class E) across two buildings including basement (Building A with a maximum height of 50 storeys and Building B with a maximum height of 31 storeys) with associated communal facilities, landscaping, access, cycle parking, car parking, refuse storage, public realm works and other associated works (amended description).

Ward: Fairfield

The officer presented details of the planning application and in response to members’ questions explained that:

• The co working space and the community spaces were available to all residents in towers A & B. The architectural detailing and vision for the proposed development were based on the colours presented to Committee, and the colours were part of the artistic vision of the project.
• The applicant had provided officers with a justification based on a character analysis of the town centre explaining why they had chosen those specific colours. Officers have recommended   a very detailed discharge condition application  relating to external facing materials because it may be that the materials they had proposed,  may not be available when building commences and so they would need to find a similar or variant material to use. Based on the recommended condition it would be necessary for the applicant to submit for approval the exact materials to be used prior to the development being implemented.
• The applicant and officers worked with the economic development team to see which spaces were needed in Croydon for flexible working space and the co working space proposed was required within Croydon. Officers had worked with the Economic Development team for the type and number of spaces required in the scheme.
• The applicant undertook an office needs assessment, and the market also signalled a move away from large scale office demands.
• Following the COVID-19 pandemic, office demands changed significantly, particularly in Croydon, so the Office needs assessment that the applicant submitted was more reflective of the situation now compared to the situation prior to the pandemic. The needs assessment that had been submitted had been fully assessed by planning policy officers who agreed with the conclusions that the applicant had drawn.
• The GLA comments were from the initial stage 1 report in relation to the proposed scheme back in August 2023. The offer had changed since that time, and now the offer of discount market rent was fully compliant with the GLA requirements in terms of the amount of discount.
• Officers had discussed this application with their colleagues in the housing department and had input from the newly appointed housing enabling officer in relation to the legal agreement and the drafting of this and they had significant input including adding local connections first.
• Discount market rent was wholly acceptable in terms of build to rent schemes and this was in H11 of the London plan. The mayor published benchmark London living rent levels for every neighbourhood in the capital, and this was based on 1/3 of the average of local household incomes and adjusted for the number of bedrooms.
• Officers had reviewed the application in accordance with policy and discount market rent and the affordable housing provision that had been negotiated is in accordance with the housing policy and this was what officers and Members needed to consider the application against.
• The GLA assessment was based on the number of children and the amount of play space required, this was based on the child yield requirement. The under-fives were provided 100% on site through the play on the way internal play spaces and play equipment. The over-fives and older children would be secured via an offsite contribution secured by the Legal Agreement. The building would have additional facilities such as games rooms, cinema rooms, lounges which were available to older children as well.
• In terms of the play space provision, play on the way included boulders and a variety of different play equipment’s including natural features. Officers had also included a detailed condition which would secure those features.. The contribution was worked out on the deficiency in terms of the child yield requirement, and officers had discussions internally and that was likely to be to Parkhill park and that that was sufficient in terms of the requirement required.
• It is recommended that wind mitigation matter are secured via a detailed condition. In terms of the communal spaces on Tower A, the wind mitigation study was carried out in terms of the worst-case scenario and did not include any planters, furniture or landscaping.
• The proposal had been designed to incorporate wind mitigation using measures such as the canopies at the ground floor and architectural treatments had been tested through wind tunnel and computer modelling and the independent wind consultants considered to be acceptable in terms of wind mitigation on Lansdowne Road. There were also proposals for the totem which was public of the art strategy on the corner of Lansdowne and Wellesley Road, this is also part of the wind mitigation strategy.  Landscaping along Wellesley Road is also propoed, which consisted of substantial tree planting as well.
• There were communal facilities at the top of each of the Towers such as lounge areas, cinema rooms, games rooms, which could be used for all ages.
• The public realm was designed to be for all age groups, there was also a detailed condition in relation to seating, the public arts, landscaping and this would be part of the detailed condition as well.
• Officers had a detailed discussion with the metropolitan police secured by the design officer in relation to anti-social behaviour and crime regarding the design and layout of the scheme.. The design was amended and improved in terms of the route through the siteand the visuals of the building and the route through the public realm.  This includes  include the visual permeability through to the  children's place on the corner. The communal space was moved to that corner to have visual permeability of that area. The proposed legal agreement proposed to close the route through to Canterbury House from 10pm to 7am and the boundary treatments with Apollo House had been lowered.
• Officers had discussions with strategic transport officer and TfL regarding the numbers of car parking and blude badge parking spaces. Officers had also looked at the active travel routes and the accessible routes to train stations and wider facilities. Officers had also looked at the car club, which would be secured through the legal agreement.
• There was a proposed condition relating to landscaping. . Officers also were recommending  a clause in the legal agreement in relation to the trees on the street, this would be in addition to any landscaping on site.
• The hotel use was not a protected use in the 2018 local plan. The London plan policy was the most up to date policy (H11) in relation to build to rent schemes. The London plan covered build to rent in some detail and there was various criteria in H11 which the scheme adhered to.
• The proposal included a co working office space of 1047 sqm. The applicant had conducted a detailed needs assessment which had been vigorously assessed also by the policy team and Councillors, economic development and inward investment team who concluded that there was a limited demand for the large-scale office spaces in Croydon. The proposed development would provide the quantum typology of office space that it was required in the town centre.
• There were five car parking spaces that were low impact on the surrounding highway network. An active travel assessment was undertaken by the applicant and agreed with TFL,. It is also proposed that contribution to sustainable transport measures which would be used within the Town Centre as well and included a proposal for the service level crossing across Wellesley Road and there was also a public transport contribution relating to TFL.
• The scheme contained 37% dual aspect units this was a similar percentage to the extant consent. The number of single aspect units was the same as in the extent consent. The corner locations of the building were for the family and the larger units. Officers considered the layout to be satisfactory. The compliance rate for the levels of daylight and sunlight for future occupiers was 71% which was considered good. It was acknowledged that there were rooms that were significantly below target in terms of lounge, kitchen, dining rooms but this was only in relation to 83 units in Tower A and 77 units in Tower B. There were also some studio units that were below the lux levels of BRE guidance as well, but overall, the scheme had a good compliance rate and it was a function of a densely populated site in an urban area, which was part of a regeneration scheme.
• The proposed scheme had been with officers for a several years and had been through the design review panel and been presented to Planning Committee and has had detailed scrutiny from design officers and officers who are supportive of the design and the colour palette of the proposed development.

Matthew Coveney spoke in support of the application.

The Committee began the deliberation, during which they raised the following points:

• The proposed development would provide 800 homes which would help the Council to achieve its housing target.
• The scheme took some pressure off Croydon’s district centres where a development of this scale would be inappropriate.
• The transport links for this location were great for this type of development and the development of this site was long overdue.
• The developers consulted with businesses and with residents and the level of objections was minimal.
• The developers responded favourably to the comments that have been made.
• The workspaces in Tower A were appreciated and the fact that they were accessible to occupants in Tower B was welcomed.
• The green public space was appealing and the public realm improvements that will come with it were appreciated.
• It was not ideal that the scheme was a build to rent development, and Members would have liked for there to have been the opportunity for some home ownership.
• The colour of Tower A was not appreciated, Members preferred the colour of Tower B.
• This was a very prominent scheme which did have an impact in terms of historical assets in Croydon and the colour of the building made that impact greater.
• Some Members were disappointed in the land use, as they believed that employment was an important part of Croydon town centre and the approach in the scheme was minimal.
• The layout and design of the scheme was considered an issue.
• There was very minimal open space arising from the scheme.
• Most units were single aspect and whilst it was the same proportion as in the previous scheme, it was still not ideal.
• Reducing the blocks to one on the site would allow greater scope for better daylight, sunlight and dual aspect etc.
• The affordable housing offer was around 15% overall with the majority being discounted market rent.
• The proposed development was unfordable for local people.
• Build to rent allowed developers to work with taller buildings but the affordability assessment argument meant that it would be difficult to provide any social housing.
• Typically, the more units provided on a town centre site, the lower the amount of affordable housing on offer due to the building costs, which made viability almost impossible for developers to provide anything for Croydon residents who either wanted to become a first time buyer or who needed affordable rent.
• An opportunity was missed to have a mixed development on the site that could have provided a reasonable level of employment.
• It was not possible to have a shopping centre without employment surrounding it, the decline in the number of offices would lead to a further decline in the shopping centre.
• Members wanted to see more high-quality offices being developed.
•  
• The housing crisis was among homeowners and among people who wanted social rented opportunities not in the build to rent or private rented sectors.
• The 15% affordable housing units on offer was not appreciated as more affordable units could have been offered due to the scale of the project. However, it was accepted that the 15% affordable housing provision was GLA compliant.
• The terracotta colour of Tower A stood out and did not complement its surroundings.
• The proposed development used the site wisely.
• There was very good public realm which led to apollo house.
• The proposed development would provide the local area with a much-needed lift.
• There was extant planning permission for a much larger scheme with three towers and there was less play space in that proposal.
• The colour scheme, palette and texture of Tower B was more successful than Tower A.

• The design of the space at the top of Tower A was not appreciated.

The substantive motion to GRANT application based on the officer’s recommendation with an amendment that the materials needed to be changed to reflect the wishes of the Planning Committee on the colour scheme of the Tower A to be lighter in tone and more reflective of Tower B was proposed by Councillor Parker. This was seconded by Councillor Shortland.

The motion to grant was taken to a vote and carried with five Members voting in favour, five Members voting against. The Chair used his casting vote to vote in favour of the application.

The Committee RESOLVED to GRANT the application at 1-5 Lansdowne Road and 30-32 Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR0 2BX.

This report concerns the transfer of Angel Lodge (12 Mayfield Road, Croydon, CR2 0BE) from the Council’s Housing Revenue Account to the General Fund for £750,000 to enable the property to be converted for use as a Children’s Home. 

The refurbishment works are covered by Department for Education (DfE) capital funding of £329,000 and a Service Provider is in the process of being commissioned to run the home and deliver registered services.

The cost and quality of children’s residential care has had a lot of publicity nationally. There is recognition that, without its own provision, Croydon Council is at the mercy of “the market” for children’s home provision. This has led to many children needing to be found homes away from their home borough at great expense. This is contributing to the pressure on the children’s placement budget, which has been overspent as a result.

Establishing a new children’s home in the borough will reduce pressure on budgets and contribute to the savings plan already outlined in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). 

For the reasons set out in the report and appendices, the Executive Mayor AGREED:

2.1       that the Council appropriates Angel Lodge, 12 Mayfield Road, Croydon, CR2 0BE, from the Housing revenue Account (HRA) to the General Fund (GF). The Council will make the necessary accounting adjustment between the two accounts in line with proper Local Authority Accounting Practices.

This report will set out the outcome of the procurement process the Council is currently undertaking in relation to the commissioning of an experienced service provider to run a children’s home and deliver registered services; in accordance with the procurement strategy report approved by the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People on 10^th December 2024 ref: 0324CYP.

The report asks for a decision to approve the contract award to the recommended preferred tenderer to run the children’s home for a duration of 7 years.

The name of the successful provider will be published following contract award.

Having carefully read and considered the Part A report, and associated confidential Part B report, and the requirements of the Council’s public sector equality duty in relation to the issues detailed in the body of the reports, the Corporate Director of Children, Young People & Education AGREED to:

Award of the contract for the provision of children’s residential care for a period of 7 years with annual break clauses to the preferred bidder named in the Part B report and for the contract value stated in the Part B report.

This report sets out further funding to the Holiday Activity and Food Programme into 2025. The current funding round from the Department for Education ends in March 2025, and this report sets out the methodology of spend for 2025/26.

The report recognises a decision is required in regards to Croydon council accepting the Grant funding allocation from the Department for Education, and that delegation of expenditure for this programme be passed to the corporate director for Children, Young People and Education.  

The Executive Mayor RESOLVED;

2.1To approve a process as described in this report to award funding allocated to Croydon by the Department for Education in the amount of £1,668,380 to Holiday Activity and Food Providers across the Easter, Summer and Christmas 2025 holiday periods as set out by the Department for Education.

2.2To delegate authority to the Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education to manage and approve funding allocations and award grant agreements to successful funding applicants, and necessary operational decisions related to the HAF programme.

       To approve the award of a contract for the Young People and Care Leavers (YPCL) Dynamic Purchasing System 3 Lot 2 Mini-Competition, Housing Related to the for term of 18 months contract Supported Housing Service from 1st September 2024 until 28th February 2026 to CAYSH for an annual value of £590,329.10 and total value of £983,881.83

For the reasons set out in the reports part A & B, the Corporate Director for Housing AGREED to:

2.1Approve the award of a contract called off from Dynamic Purchasing System 3 Lot 2 for the provision of the Young Person & Care Leavers Supported Housing Service, for 18 months from 1st September 2024 until 28 February 2026 to Bidder 1 (named in the part B report) for the total value stated in the Part B report.

2.2Note that the identity of the successful bidder will be released after the award decision

This report will be about the disposal of 41 Malcolm Road. Delegated authority decision is required from the Corporate Director of Resources and s151 Officer to agree the terms and final price for the disposal included within Tranche 1 of the Assets Disposal Plan. 

For the reasons set out in the report the Corporate Director of Resources AGREED:

2.1To approve the disposal of the freehold interest in the Property to the party named and for the consideration stated in the confidential Part B report.

This report will be about the disposal of 37-39 Imperial Way. Delegated authority decision is required from the Corporate Director of Resources and s151 Officer to agree the terms and final price for the disposal included within Tranche 1 of the Assets Disposal Plan. 

This report recommends the disposal of the freehold of 37-39 Imperial Way.The objectives for the disposal were to secure maximum receipts, achieve bids that were on an unconditional basis with the lowest possible transactional risk and to target capital receipts with the preferred bidder by the end of the financial year.  Savills undertook a full open market process.  A transparent and clear process was provided for parties to undertake their due diligence to ensure considered bids.  There were 6 potential purchasers at best and final bids.  

RESOLVED to:

2.1 To approve the disposal of the freehold of 37-39 Imperial Way at the value stated in the confidential Part B report.

This report is to get approval for the award of a contract called off from the South East Consortium (SEC) Framework (Lot 10) Stock Condition services, to carry out stock condition surveys /reports to 100% of the housing stock over a period of 5 (4+1) years, for the maximum contract value to bidder (A) named/stated in the Part B.

This report sets out the award of a Stock Condition Survey contract which will create visibility of the condition of the Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) stock, providing a robust evidential base for future investment and its value.  This will also support the Council’s Housing priority that every home will meet the Decent Homes Standard.

On 6^th July 2022, the Contracts and Commissioning Board (CCB) endorsed the recommended procurement strategy for delivery of the Stock Condition Surveying services contract in accordance with the approved procurement strategy report (ref: CCB1756/22-23).

On 12^th December 2022 the Contracts and Commissioning Board (CCB) approved the recommendation to award the contract to Bidder B.

In December 2022 (CCB Ref:CCB1775/22-23) initial introductory and mobilisation meetings were held with Bidder B, upon conclusion it became apparent that Bidder B could not commit to the timescales and it proved difficult to agree contract requirements with them that were part of the ITT documents and set out in our initial meetings with them.

During this time, Bidder B then contacted the Head of Service for Asset Planning and Capital Delivery on 3rd February and expressed their intention to withdraw from the SCS contract – with no fault on either side, they then confirmed this in writing on 8th February.

Following withdrawal of the first placed bidder the framework providers have confirmed it is acceptable for LBC to approach the second-place bidder.  LBC have double checked the evaluation scores to ensure they are correct.

The Housing Asset Planning team met with Bidder A and they were happy to proceed with Croydon based on the what was set out within the ITT pack.  As the contract award process had been originally awarded to Bidder B, this meant the company could not start straight away and requested time to allocate sufficient resources as they had now been deployed to other contracts but they could mobilise in May and kick off the contract in June 2023.

This contract is fully HRA funded and will be paid for from the Capital Programme.

For the reasons outlined in the report (Part A & B) and appendices, the Corporate Director of Housing AGREED:

To award a contract called off from the South East Consortium (SEC) Framework (Lot 10) for the provision of Stock Condition services to carry out stock condition surveys /reports to 100% of the housing stock, including Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS) & EPC surveys and repair condition reports for a period of 5 years, for the maximum contract value and to the bidder (Bidder A) named/stated in the Part B.