Tory-led council moots plan to outsource housing services

Published by 24publishing for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Central Government, Communities, Legal, Local Government

A Conservative-run council is planning to outsource a whole spread of public services – including housing and planning – in a bid to deliver better value for money.

Herefordshire Council is initially looking to reprocure services currently provided through its partnership with outsourcer Amey – a 10-year joint venture covering highways maintenance, street cleaning and building maintenance – which expires in 2013.

In addition, it’s also looking at outsourcing a number of other important local services to save money.     

The services in scope of being outsourced include housing needs and development, homelessness and housing advice services, planning, bereavement, pest control, travellers services, environmental health services, building services, parks and open space.

The council stressed the services to be included in any prospective procurement(s) have “not yet been fully determined” as it is currently carrying out a review of the way in which it delivers its services.

Prior to commencing a procurement process, the council will be carrying out a consultation with suppliers to find out how services can be "efficiently and effectively commissioned".

Throughout this month and next, local residents across the county will also be encouraged to take part in a series of ‘Your community – your say’ events to consider the services and priorities the council should be focusing on in the future.

Councillor John Jarvis, leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “The procurement exercise aims to widen the competition for services and make tendering easier, which will improve the opportunities for a range of organisations, including small and medium sized businesses, community groups, social enterprises and parish councils to deliver council services.”

“We need to ensure that we continue to deliver high quality services across the county and as such we welcome interest from local organisations who believe they can help us achieve our priorities going forward into the next decade.”