Decisions

To agree the proposed probationary policy for all new Epping Forest District Council Employees.

(1)  That the contract sum with Storm Building Ltd for the Council House-building development at Queens Road, North Weald be amended to reflect the 12-month delay in starting on site due to complications in reaching agreement with UK Power Network over power cable and sub-station diversions amounting to an increase of £150,000 from £2,320,493 to £2,470,490.

That Housing Revenue Account (HRA) funding of £40,000 continues to be utilised to fund the VAEF gardening scheme for older and disabled Council tenants for one further year in 2018/2019.

(1)  That the Council amends it approach to procurement for future phases of the Council House-building Programme, based on lessons learnt in phases 1-3 to a more collaborative approach, by adopting a  “Two-stage Design and Build” and appointing the multi-disciplinary design team directly;

(2)  That specialist procurement consultants Cameron Consulting be appointed to undertake an EU compliant tender exercise on behalf of the Council to put together a framework of consultants and contractors to take forward the Council’s house-building programme beyond Phase 4 in the sum of £34,000 plus disbursements; and

(3)  That Procurement Rule 2.9 (b) is waived to appoint Cameron Consulting without seeking additional competitive tenders.