30-Jun-05
Working harder to deliver better value for money!
As part of its continuing commitment to deliver quality services to customers, Bolton at Home recently completed a major value for money review of the North Area repair service.
The review process began in 2004 by identifying a range of contractors who could offer a service which, in terms of both quality and price, delivered overall value for money.
In order to oversee the complete process, an independent panel consisting of, Customers, Bolton Council representatives Board Members and Bolton at Home managers was formed. The aim of the independent panel was to ensure honesty, openness and accountability of service.
Five contractors, including Bolton at Home’s in-house contractor, Technical Services, were asked to submit bids in March 2005. The panel identified the bid by Technical Services as the best overall, as it was
significantly cheaper than the others without any loss of quality. It also offered the best proposals for improving the service, including the expansion of out of hours services and additional appointments.
The decision by the panel, approved by Bolton Council in April 2005, means that the repair service in the North Area will continue to be delivered by Bolton at Home until 2010. There is an option to negotiate a two year extension until 2012. Plans are in progress to undertake a similar process for the South Area, which will be completed by April 2006.
In order to submit the winning bid, Bolton at Home made significant changes to its organisation. These changes enabled it to substantially reduce its prices, without reducing the quality of its service to customers.
The impact of lower prices means that Bolton at Home has more funds to allocate to repairing customer’s homes. In order to ensure that these extra funds are spent as efficiently as possible Bolton at Home will undertake more repairs, as planned programmes of work, giving even better value for money.
For further information telephone Paul Phillips on 01204 335090
