Compliance
Our Compliance frameworks are clever, agile and really embrace building safety.
Our Compliance frameworks are clever, agile and really embrace building safety.
Asbestos inspections & testing
Water hygiene risk assessments
Fire safety frameworks
Heating & water hygiene
Frameworks that connect you with experienced consultants ready to support your projects.
Asset & development consultancy
Compliance consultancy
We've a number of frameworks to support your development projects.
Our framework covers fully managed, secure, flexible and auditable electronic payment services.
We've two frameworks that can help with your facilities management.
Our repairs and maintenance frameworks support all aspects of your asset management strategies.
Internal & external building works
Frameworks to help you design, deliver and maintain whole-house energy efficiency measures.
Zero carbon solutions
Electric vehicle charging
Mechanical ventilation
Domestic air source heat pumps
Communal air source heat pumps
Domestic ground source heat pumps
Solar thermal & PV
Communal ground source heat pumps
We've committed to training housing sector colleagues, organisations and the supply chain through our Prospects programme.
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Asbestos inspections & testing
Water hygiene risk assessments
Fire safety frameworks
Heating & water hygiene
Asset & development consultancy
Internal & external building works
Zero carbon solutions
Electric vehicle charging
Mechanical ventilation
Domestic air source heat pumps
Communal air source heat pumps
Domestic ground source heat pumps
Solar thermal & PV
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22 March 2022
Our Technical Partnerships team are regularly advising customers on their Section 20 consultations. We’re able to help explain the process in more detail and advise on consulting with leaseholders when using a framework. We also help customers to carry out their consultation at the beginning of a framework procurements to save you time down the line.
We’ve answered your top Section 20 questions in the FAQs below. They’re not just about S20 and frameworks – but will help you with your leasehold consultation for other projects as well.
If you’d like to learn more about our technical support services please contact a member of the team today – contact us.
We’ve also prepared a number of documents which may be of use to you –
What are the key pieces of legislation?
What are the basic principles underpinning this whole area?
What is a Qualifying Long Term Agreement (QLTA)?
Qualifying Long Term Agreement (QLTA) is for more than 12 months costing over £100 per tenant.
What does "Qualifying Works" mean?
Qualifying Works are works lasting up to 12 months costing over £250 per tenant.
When should consultation be undertaken?
If the works last 12 months costing over £250 per tenant. If good, services or works last more than 12 months (QLTA) and cost over £100 per tenant.
What are the key questions to ask to find out which consultation route to take?
What are the different consultation procedures?
How many notices do i send?
What are the notices? And how long do I need to allow for responses?
What should the Notice of Intention state?
How should the costs be presented?
There is a preferred hierarchy within the Service Charges Regulations, Schedule 1 outlines this as follows:
How long is the "relevant period" that the notice needs to set out for?
30 days - but allow for posting time, which is normally two days for first class post
What does the "date of the notice" mean?
This has been defined in case law as the date given to the recipient - so allow 32 days for the notice period from when it is sent.
Can I use a framework and comply with Section 20?
Yes, if the contract value is under the level where public notice is required. SEC provide advice on this here: Section-20-Advice.pdf (southeastconsortium.org.uk).
If the contract value is above the level where public notice is required, there is a risk that the procurement may fail if nominations are received. In this case, take specific advice. Again, we can assist with this.
What value do I use if I include extension provisions?
The value is the total value, with all extension provisions included. For example, if the contract is for 5 years with a 4-year extension in two 2-year provisions, then the value relates to nine years, to include both the extensions.
What are the public notice thresholds?
These change every two years. The current levels, set at 1 January 2022, are:
Figures include VAT.
If I get more than one nomination, do I have to accept them all?
No, if tenants nominate more than one supplier you only have to accept one, which will normally be the one with the most votes. Nominated suppliers still have to be able to pass the clients’ vetting procedures and be able to manage the whole contract. If a recognised tenants’ association nominates a supplier, as well as tenants, then quotes need to be obtained from both.
What about dispensation?
This can be done, by application to the First-tier Tribunal.
What do I do if I find that responsive works are required that cost over £250/flat?
If the contract has been consulted on as a QLTA you will need to complete consultation under Schedule 3 of the Service Charge Regulations. This is a single notice that must relate to the works required.
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