Newham Council is investing £950,000 in stock condition surveys to assess and improve its housing stock, with a goal of surveying 100% of the Council's Housing Revenue Account (HRA) properties.
The decision, approved at an Officer Key Decision meeting on Friday, aims to ensure the council meets its commitments to the Social Housing Regulator and to inform its Asset Management Strategy. The surveys will provide the HRA Asset Management team with data to inform a 30-year investment plan in the borough's housing stock. Paul Kitson, Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy, Housing and Culture, approved the procurement of a contract for services to carry out Year 2 of the Stock Condition Surveys.
The surveys will assess internal, external, and communal aspects of the council's HRA housing stock, including Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) reviews across all 29 categories. The data collected will inform a 30-year investment plan aimed at improving the quality of existing council homes and estates and increasing resident satisfaction.
The council had already commenced a pilot and year 1 of the Stock Condition Surveys with Savills and John Rowan & Partners. The new tender will confirm they continue to provide value for money. In determining best value, officers will consider rates and prices alongside the quality and convenience of using a dynamic purchasing system, with social value delivery in the borough also evaluated under the tender. The tender will be conducted via the Procurement Hub DPS, based on bids against a target rate per survey, including digital systemisation of surveys and returns. Bidders will also need to demonstrate a track record of similar projects with structured delivery plans, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of collected data.
A Planned Procurement Notice was published on 11 April 2025, and the council aims to award the contract by September 2025.
The project supports Priority 5 – Homes for Our Residents under Building a Fairer Newham, the council's Corporate Plan 2022-2026, contributing to improved housing quality and resident satisfaction.
Alternative options, such as undertaking the works in-house or doing nothing, were considered and rejected. The council does not have the specialist resources for in-house work, and the surveys are essential for maintaining housing stock and resident safety.
No leaseholder consultation is required under section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, as the surveys primarily concern rented stock and do not meet the threshold for consultation. All residents involved will receive communications clarifying the requirement closer to the time of individual property review, ensuring minimal disruption during the surveys.
The estimated capital costs will be funded from a combination of HRA Reserves and new HRA borrowing. Based on current interest rates, the borrowing would add an estimated £84,000 per annum to the council's future revenue budget, including provision to repay the borrowing.
The procurement exercise will comply with the Procurement Act 2023, and the contract will include requirements of the Equalities Act 2010.