The Head of Housing Services has submitted a report to seek authority to procure and delegation to award a contract to deliver the Council’s Furnished Tenancy Scheme.

Recommendations: That Cabinet resolves to:

1.Give authority to procure a supplier or suppliers who will provide household furniture, white good and carpets as part of a Furnished Tenancy Scheme; and

2.Delegate to the Director of Housing in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, authority to award a Furnished Tenancy Scheme contract to a supplier, selected by an evaluation panel, following a fully compliant procurement process.

The Head of Housing Services had submitted a report to seek authority to procure and delegation to award a contract to deliver the Council’s Furnished Tenancy Scheme.

Councillor Mike Rowley, Cabinet Member for Affordable Housing, introduced the report. The Council, as landlord, operated a furnished tenancy scheme which was taken up by 25-30% of tenants. The current contract was due to expire at the end of the month and the report sought to provide the authority to secure a new contract in accordance with best value principles. He confirmed that to all intents and purposes, the scheme would be available to to Oxford City Housing Limited as to the Council.

The Chair concluded by noting that she was proud that the City continued to operate such a scheme which was of such importance to so many tenants.

Cabinet resolved to:

1.Give authority to procure a supplier or suppliers who will provide household furniture, white good and carpets as part of a Furnished Tenancy Scheme; and

2.Delegate to the Director of Housing in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, authority to award a Furnished Tenancy Scheme contract to a supplier, selected by an evaluation panel, following a fully compliant procurement process.