Decision details

Approval of the procurement strategy for the Borough's Tree Works Programme

RESOLVED:

1.  That the retention of the in-house tree maintenance team and proposals to combine it with the in-house client team, to form a single, cohesive and comprehensive in-house team to manage the Borough’s significant tree stock be agreed.

2.  That a competitive tender process to formalise current externalised works delivery by putting in place longer term tree maintenance contract(s) to support in-house provision be approved.  The procurement process will seek up to three providers for a period of four years from October 2022, with an option to extend for an additional period of up to two years, at an annual estimated value of £1.5m, with an estimated maximum total contract cost of up to £9m (with extensions), recognising that final costs will only be determined following the completion of the tender process.

3.  That the establishment of an additional framework agreement for tree maintenance for a period of four years that will be open for use by all London boroughs from October 2022, subject to business need, as further detailed in paragraphs 62 and 63 of the report be approved. 

4.  That tree planting arrangements (as outlined in paragraph 43 of the report) to deliver the tree planting programme whilst noting that other delivery methods that optimise the capital resource allocated will be explored including direct employment and working with community interest companies be approved, in conjunction with the formal processes for community engagement and stakeholder cooperation as set out in paragraph 105 of the report.