William Eichler 20 October 2017

Council-owned company set to take over maintenance of Liverpool’s green spaces

The contract to maintain Liverpool’s parks and green spaces is set to be handed to a council-owned company which operates the refuse, recycling and street cleansing service.

The £6.8m contract is currently run by a joint venture between the city council and Glendale -- Glendale-Liverpool Ltd -- which is due to end in October 2018.

However, a council report recommends that Liverpool Street Scene Services Limited – a wholly-owned Local Authority Trading Company (LATco) - takes over the maintenance arrangements.

It is estimated the proposed ten year deal could save up to £7m by doing away with management fees, integrating management and supervisory functions, and making efficiencies on the purchase and hire of equipment.

The city council has decided not to hold a competitive tender process because it believes this would not deliver a better or timelier outcome.

This is allowed under a rule known as the ‘Teckal exemption’, which enables public authorities to enter into service contracts with wholly owned companies without going out to the market.

‘We’ve taken a long hard look at whether we should go out to tender on this, but believe that that the time and cost of doing so would wipe out any efficiency savings and not deliver anything better,’ said Cllr Steve Munby, cabinet member for City Services.

‘Liverpool Street Scene Services Limited has already delivered efficiency savings in in refuse, recycling and street cleansing – and because it is owned by the council and not shareholders we are able to reinvest the cash and make our money go further, such as by clearing fly tipping or increasing street cleansing.

‘We believe we can do the same with the grounds maintenance contract, and deliver efficiencies ourselves better than the private sector could do.’

‘We already face finding huge savings across the council in the next few years due to reductions in Government funding, so it is vital we make the most of every single penny that we have,’ he added.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker- Family Support and Safeguarding - Witney

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the Family Support and Safeguarding Workbook modules, and a strengths-bas Witney
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner