Melton Borough Council to re-procure housing repairs and maintenance contracts following tenant feedback

Melton Borough Council is taking proactive steps to improve the quality and value of its housing repair, void, and planned maintenance services by re-procuring its contracts from April 2026.

This decision follows a detailed review of the current contract arrangements, which highlighted that the existing model no longer delivers the best value for money or the level of service our tenants deserve. Importantly, this review was informed by extensive tenant feedback, including satisfaction surveys, complaints, and engagement through our Your Voice Your Choice tenant group.

We’ve listened carefully to what our tenants have told us—particularly around the need for better communication, more efficient scheduling of repairs, and a smoother customer journey. These insights have directly shaped our new procurement principles, which will guide the development of a modern, responsive, and tenant-focused service.

The new contract will:

• Be designed around evidence-led procurement principles
• Offer greater flexibility by dividing services into specialist “lots”
• Encourage participation from local and specialist contractors, including small and medium-sized enterprises
• Place a strong emphasis on social value, ensuring that the contract delivers benefits for our communities as well as our homes

Leader of the Council, Cllr Pip Allnatt said : 

“Cabinet’s decision last night (16 July ) to approve the procurement principles mark an important milestone on our journey of improvement. Since becoming council leader in 2023 it has become increasingly clear that the main contract set up in 2018 has not given our tenants what they need and has not been value for money. Our aim is about the quality of our service, maintaining our housing stock and cost efficiency.

These improvements would not be possible without dedication of our staff and the advice and support of our tenants through the group known as “Your Voice Your Choice” and four tenant representatives serving on our Landlord Assurance Board. Together they provide honest criticism and constructive ideas. I am very grateful for this.  This new approach demonstrates that we listen and change.”

By aligning the re-procurement of our repairs and voids contract with the renewal of our planned maintenance programme (such as kitchen and bathroom upgrades), we are creating a more attractive and efficient opportunity for the market—helping us secure the best possible outcomes for our tenants.

If you are a contractor that is interested in bidding for this opportunity you can find more information here: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/029336-2025. This includes more details about the timescales for procurement and how you express an interest and submit a bid. Contractors can bid for all of the work available or for smaller sections. 

This is a significant opportunity to reshape how we deliver housing services in Melton, and we are committed to keeping our tenants at the heart of every decision we make.