The cleaning of multi-storey communal areas, which is currently carried out by a private contractor, could soon be undertaken by Aberdeen City Council’s in-house Facilities Management team.
Members of the Council’s Strategic Commissioning Committee approved in principle the in-sourcing of the existing multi-storey cleaning contract from July 1, 2019 subject to consultation with owner occupiers in accordance with legislation.
The report before committee stated that investing in the in-house cleaning service will retain public funds within the Council, and provide the means to pursue savings and efficiencies, which would benefit the Council and front-line services.
Owners and tenants will be charged a fixed price for the service equal to the existing arrangement. Rather than propose an increase in a service charge the Facilities Management service will look to increase efficiency.
Engagement with the services which would be impacted – Housing Service, Facilities Management Service in the main – as well as Factoring, Legal, Finance, Human Resources and Trade Unions will continue following today’s decision.
The committee delegated authority to the head of commercial & procurement services to take the necessary steps to implement the service change if the statutory consultation is in favour of it.
Aberdeen City Council co-leader councillor Jenny Laing said: “The Target Operating Model allows the Council to consider opportunities to bring services back in-house and I am delighted that the Committee has agreed in principle to in-source the existing multi-storey cleaning contract. This decision could see our facilities management team increase in size, skills and capability.
“The Facilities Management team is enthusiastic about taking this service back in-house as part of their ambitions to develop and grow the business. It would also promote the Aberdeen City Council brand, which could attract further business, all of which is good news for the Council and our citizens.”
If the consultation is in favour of the in-house service, it is expected that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 will require the TUPE transfer of staff from the current contractor to the employment of Aberdeen City Council.