Decision:
The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport agrees to provide the Corporate Director for Growth, Environment and Transport with delegated authority to procure and enter into appropriate contractual arrangements for the provision of Urban Grass, Shrubs, Hedges and Rose Bed Maintenance services including any potential extension periods in accordance with the expectations set out in the report.
Background information:
The Urban Grass, Shrubs, Hedges and Rose Bed Maintenance Contract (UGSHRMC) is currently delivered by Commercial Services Trading Limited (Trading as Landscape Services) and expires on the 31st January 2021. A new contract will be required to be procured prior to the end date. This contract will allow for the prescribed services to be delivered for an initial 60-month period with potential extensions.
The Council has a legal duty to keep roads and pavements clear of vegetation for safe passage of highway users. The main service areas comprise of urban grass, shrub and hedge cutting to contribute to visual amenity. These services will need to be commissioned externally to ensure the Council meets its obligations.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Notice of proposed decision first published: 30/07/2020
Decision due: Not before 28th Aug 2020 by Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be published for a minimum of 28 days in accordance with statutory requirements
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport
Lead director: Simon Jones
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: Andrew Loosemore, Head of Highway Asset Management 03000 411652 Email: andrew.loosemore@kent.gov.uk Tel: 03000 411652.
Consultees
The proposed decision will be considered at the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 15 September 2020.
Financial implications: It is expected that any new procurement and delivery model will present a price increase which reflects changes in market prices since the contract was let in 2018. A competitive procurement process will appoint the best value contractor from the tenders submitted.
Legal implications: The award of any contracts will be in full compliance with all relevant procurement regulations
Equalities implications: An EqIA has been drafted. No adverse impacts have identified at this stage.