Contract Awards: 26/03/2025
Significant investments are reshaping the UK social housing landscape, with newly awarded contracts highlighting a strategic focus on repairs, maintenance, residential construction, and regulatory compliance.
Opening the series of contracts in Sandwell, the Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council awarded a £660k contract over 24 months to ACG Building Services for the supply and installation of glazing in tenanted, void, and public buildings. This responsive service will support ongoing property maintenance across the borough, covering repair, upkeep, and the provision of secure glazing solutions. Similarly, strengthening emergency response capabilities, Draintech Services (Midlands) secured a £600k, 2-year contract—also in Sandwell, to deliver drain clearance and underground drainage repairs. This includes jetting, disinfection, and blockage removal in tenanted and void properties, with an optional 1-year extension running until late 2027.
Enhancing communal living spaces, Aspire Housing Limited in Newcastle-under-Lyme appointed Bell Group for a 1-month zero-value contract focusing on the redecoration of internal and external communal areas at the Mill Rise extra care scheme. The work includes priming, painting, and minor repairs, with leaseholders contributing to the cost. Improving estate surveillance, Livv Housing Group awarded MPD FM a £960k contract over 24 months under Fusion21’s framework to provide CCTV monitoring services. This call-off supports security services across various housing sites, with an optional 12-month extension enhancing operational continuity.
Expanding nationwide grounds care, ESPO (Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation) launched a 21-month contract valued at £16m. The first lot, awarded to Alben Landscapes, Krinkels UK, Countrywide Grounds Maintenance, Glendale Countryside, and others, covers comprehensive grounds maintenance—including grass cutting, hedge and shrub care, seasonal planting, and upkeep of sports facilities. It also covers rubbish and leaf removal, reinstatement of green areas, pitch mowing and line marking, winter gritting and snow clearance, and effective weed control—ensuring clean, safe, and well-maintained outdoor spaces year-round. Additionally the second lot, secured by Beacons Tree Services, Chevron Green Services, Glendale Countryside, and Grounds Gardens & Trees, among others, covers essential arboriculture services, including tree maintenance such as pruning, crown raising, thinning, and reduction, as well as full tree felling, removal, disposal, and professional tree surveying—supporting safe and healthy green spaces. Leading Swindon’s environmental efforts, Swindon Borough Council appointed Crapper & Sons Landfill on a £2.3m, 36-month contract to manage the collection and recycling of garden waste. Services span kerbside collection, public drop-off points, and depot-based disposal, with a possible 2-year extension based on performance.
Ensuring fast-track repairs, North Ayrshire Council awarded a £1.8m, 12-month framework to 36 suppliers across 9 lots for reactive maintenance and minor repairs framework. The contract covers joinery, plumbing, electrical, and general building services, including bricklaying, plaster repairs, fencing, glazing, and bitmac lining. It also includes multi-trade minor projects such as toilet and kitchen refurbishments, classroom alterations, fire door replacements, accessibility ramp construction, and window or stonework repairs. Focusing on water safety, East Lothian Council contracted Dalkia Operations for a £908k, 36-month legionella and water quality maintenance contract. The scope includes risk assessments, testing, cleaning, disinfection, and remedial actions across public buildings, HMOs, and estates.
Driving residential development, South Lakes Housing awarded a £6.4m, 19-month contract to Highall Developments for the redevelopment of Yewbarrow Lodge, delivering 18 new affordable homes in Grange-over-Sands alongside all associated infrastructure. Delivering strategic materials supply, Procure Plus Holdings Ltd initiated a £200m, 48-month framework with 21 suppliers such as Huws Gray Ltd, Edmundson Electrical, UK Plumbing Supplies Limited, Wolseley UK Limited, and others across 4 lots for merchant distribution of repair products. The agreement supports managed stores, counter collections, delivered services, and van stock replenishment, ensuring availability of essential electrical, plumbing, and building supplies to maintenance teams across the UK. Finally, Torus entered into a £6m, 36-month call-off contract via GCloud13 with Softcat for ongoing IT infrastructure and software services, ensuring digital resilience and operational efficiency across its housing operations in the North West.