New homes on the way to Renfrewshire
The building of new council and housing association homes will be made easier and cheaper thanks to a new framework.
Scotland Excel, the Centre of Procurement Expertise for the local government sector in Scotland, is a non-profit making organisation funded by all 32 councils which is based in Paisley.
It has launched a new £1.5billion framework to help councils across the country build 50,000 new affordable homes.
Eleven Scottish councils, including Renfrewshire, have put the four-year plan together. It should reduce the time taken to build a range of social housing properties including affordable homes, flats, residential homes, student accommodation and social-rented housing.
The framework has been specifically designed to create opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to take part. Companies could tender to build smaller projects of between one and 15 properties with the choice of build-only or design and build, depending on their capabilities.
Companies were also given the opportunity to bid for deliver projects nationally or just for specific council areas.
Renfrewshire Councillor John Shaw, who is also the convener of Scotland Excel, said: “The £1.5bn New Build Construction framework is a major opportunity for Scotland’s councils and housing associations.
“The contract makes it easier for contracting authorities to engage with suppliers and deliver housing that benefits society.
“It covers all 32 council areas and supports the Scottish Government’s ambitious plans to build 50,000 new homes by 2021.
“The way the framework is designed means it will not only speed up the process, it will also free up resources and finances that can be invested in employment initiatives, deliver community benefits and reduce environmental impact.”
Nineteen suppliers, including Renfrewshire companies Clark Contracts
Ltd and JR Construction (Scotland) Ltd, have been put on the framework.
Councillor Shaw continued: “The 19 suppliers on the framework represent a crosssection of the construction industry in Scotland today.
“Almost 70 per cent are
SMEs and all pay the Scottish Living Wage to employees as standard.
“If we can help to create jobs in the areas where the houses are being built then we’re not only contributing to employment opportunities, we’re helping to create communities.”
Since it was established in 2008, Scotland Excel has helped to save councils more than £150m.
It will also free up resources and finances Councillor John Shaw