Hammersmith and Fulham Council has extended its Repairs and Maintenance South Area Contract with Mears Ltd for an additional two years, ensuring continued service for residents in the southern part of the borough. The contract ensures the provision of qualified, skilled labour, and materials necessary for responsive repairs, void works and planned component replacements within council-owned properties.
The decision, made during the Cabinet meeting on 10 November 2025, extends the contract from its original end date of 1 August 2025 to 30 July 2027. The contract covers reactive repairs and void works within council-owned properties in the south area.
The Cabinet approved the extension, citing Mears Ltd's good level of service and support to the council, particularly during the re-procurement of repair and void contracts for the north and central areas of the borough. In September 2024, a three-year contract was awarded to Wates Property Services Ltd for these areas, with the new service mobilised in October 2024.
The decision to extend the Mears Ltd contract, rather than immediately seeking a new provider for the south area, was influenced by several factors. Mears Ltd has provided a good level of service and support, and there was insufficient time to undertake a full procurement exercise. The council determined that re-procuring for a long-term supplier at the initial contract end date was not recommended.
The extension ensures continuity of service and compliance with the council's obligations as a landlord under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. The extension falls within the provisions of the existing contract, allowing for a further two years.
Councillor Frances Umeh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, supported the extension, highlighting the importance of maintaining high standards in service provision to residents. The extension also allows the council sufficient time to deliver its re-procurement plan for a long-term supplier.
The Cabinet also approved a variation to the contract value, as detailed in Appendix 1 of the Public Reports Pack.
The Key Decisions List 153 - November 2025, also noted during the meeting, included the extension of the Mears Ltd contract, the Housing Repairs Procurement Strategy, and the Housing Company Update. The key components of the Housing Repairs Procurement Strategy are to continue the recovery of the repairs service for day-to-day repairs, void works, emergencies and communal areas. It will also include the procurement of specialist contractors for damp and mould, and the general maintenance of windows, drainage, doors and roofs. The Housing Company Update provides an update to Cabinet on the incorporation of a Housing Company, following its previous decision to approve an Outline Business Case for its establishment.
