Decision details

The Cabinet Member for Housing Services presented a report seeking approval of contract awards for Carbon reduction schemes as part of the approved Housing Revenue Account (“HRA”) Capital Works Programme for 2026/27. The measures aim to provide improved thermal comfort and ventilation, while reducing carbon emissions, energy consumption and bills for Bury residents. In response to Members’ questions it was agreed that detail regarding any pro rata cost increase from the extension and a breakdown of social value cost-benefit would be provided to Members outside the meeting.

Decision:

Cabinet agreed:

1. An extension of the existing contract between the Council and A.Connolly Limited (Company number 03860866) in respect of Bent Hill estate, Prestwich, Sedgley Ward – 140 properties, which forms part of Programme A, for a further term of 12 months commencing on 8th September 2026 and a total estimated contract value of £2,100,075.60; and
2. A contract award to NextEnergy Capital Limited (Company number 05975233), in respect of the estates mentioned below which comprise of Programme B, for an initial term of 1 year (proposed commencement date of 31st July 2026) and the option to extend for a further 12 months. The total estimated contract value for the initial term is £2,173,551:
   1. Goshen Estate Redvales Ward - 95 properties
   2. Knowles St Estate Redbank Ward - 6 properties
   3. Sumner Avenue Estate- Radcliffe North and Ainsworth Ward- 24 properties
   4. Decent Home standard - Thermal Comfort fails for 70 properties throughout the borough. These are located within the Redvales, Ramsbottom, Besses, North Manor, and Bury East areas.

Reasons for the decision:

The primary reason for requesting approvals for the programmes from both A.Connolly's and NextEnergy is to ensure continuation of the Bury Council Housing retrofit programme, which is aimed at helping to achieve Energy Performance Certificate (“EPC”) C by 2030 along with aims to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Retrofit surveys are underway in preparation for Social Housing/Warm Homes Fund (Wave 3) grant application which is essential to support HRA capital investment.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

• Do nothing: The Energy schemes are necessary to help achieve legislative requirements of EPC C by 2030 and Net Zero ambitions in line with GMHP by 2038.
• Deliver Inhouse: Due to the specialist scope of work within these contracts there is both a lack of suitable skills and capacity for the in-house contractor (Repairs Direct).
• Re-tender: This option was considered for AConnolly's relating to the Bent Hill scheme and would be possible; however, this would involve a significantly extended procurement process in both time and cost.