Framework Agreement for the Provision of a Management Service for Domestic Repairs and Adaptations

The Council wish to procure a Framework Agreement for the Provision of a Management Service for Domestic Repairs and Adaptations. Cheshire East Council is committed to helping people to stay in their own homes and remain as active and independent as possible. To support this, home repairs and adaptation services are provided so that vulnerable people can live independently in suitable, well maintained homes. Housing is a key determinant of health, with the condition and suitability of a person's home being closely linked to their health, care and ability to participate in social networks. It is estimated that poor housing conditions in Cheshire East cost the NHS £4.3million per annum because of the causal link to chronic health conditions including respiratory conditions and mental health and exacerbation of other health conditions. Addressing housing conditions delivers outcomes for residents aligned with Outcome 5 in the Council's 3 year plan: \"People Live Well and for Longer\". Adaptations are provided in the discharge of the Council's statutory duty to meet the needs of disabled people. Adaptations are designed to enable disabled people to live independently in the home of their choice, reducing or delaying the need for formal care, and are primarily funded using the mandatory means-tested Disabled Facilities Grant provided by the Council. Home repairs are provided through the Council's discretionary power to provide financial support to vulnerable residents. The Council shares the Government's view that primarily it is the responsibility of home owners to maintain their own property, but acknowledges that some owners do not have the necessary knowledge, capability or financial resources to repair or adapt their homes. The Council therefore has an important role to play in providing assistance for vulnerable residents. A single supplier Framework will be put in place to enable the Council to commission low value domestic repairs and adaptations on behalf of vulnerable residents. The Framework will appoint a principal contractor to act as managing agent in order to secure suitable contractors to deliver the full range of domestic building trades. The qualification criteria set out in the procurement documentation will enable us to appoint a principal contractor who is used to managing works contracts and selecting, appointing and managing subcontractors. Safeguarding will be a critical feature of the Framework. It is imperative that we ensure that the principal contractor has experience of putting systems in place to ensure that vulnerable residents are protected from exploitation or abuse, that necessary checks are carried out on all employees and subcontractors before they enter residents' homes, and that there is a robust training and monitoring system in place to supervise sub-contractors throughout the duration of the Framework. The Framework will run for 2 years + a 1 year optional extension.