Friday 19 April 2024 – Postscript

Today, the Head of Communities and Social Value from Breyer Group emailed the council a decision on the frickin’ bone they were willing to throw the Linacre Court Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) (see Glasnost):

“Hi all,

“Our project team have confirmed they are flexible on the delivery of SV [Social Value], they have suggested the best way forward if for the TRA to put together a wish list for their consideration.

“The next step is for the [council Contract Manager] to discuss further.

“Please keep me updated.”

 

The Contract Manager came back with their wish list based on the caged play area and the community centre on the estate:

“1. Cage for the front part of the play area.

2. Washer /Drier.

3. Catering Fridge / Catering Freezer

4. Catering Electric Cooker / With Oven

5. Two Large Air Friers.

6. Henry Hoover 

7. Floor Steam cleaner 

8. 3 Food Mixers.

9. Two Pizza Makers.

10. Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate Machine.”

   

It is a somewhat nominal bone and I infer from this that he and the Resident Liaison Officer, who are supposed to represent our residents and not the supplier, didn’t advise them to think bigger.  But, despite the misguided allegiances of council officers, perhaps this could still be considered a win for the council’s Social Value policy.

Similarly, late yesterday afternoon, the Director of ESG at Higgins Construction (see If You’re Going To Do Something Wrong, Do It Right!), emailed the council and our contract manager employed from consultants, AtkinsRealis,

“Just to keep you posted a meeting was held yesterday (1-2pm) between myself, [Higgins’s surveyor] and [the council’s Regeneration Manager for the Hartopp & Lannoy social housing development] to look at the Caretakers Lodge council assets which can be an option for refurbishment / improvement under the social value offer.

“[The Regen Manager] has provided us with some details which we will review next week and revert back for a follow up meeting with him to see how it can be progressed.”

 

Definite progress all round.

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