Summary of the Output Specification Criteria

The Output Specification Criteria lists the services and standards expected from the PFI contract. It details the local authority's objectives, reflects the requirements of the local community and gives bidders sufficient information to decide and cost the facilities and services they will offer.

Property Management Services
There will be a minimum standard and a target standard. Once the target standard is achieved, this standard will need to be maintained throughout the 30-year contract. The Contractor will have to let out as many properties as possible. All property standards will be judged against: government legislation; Council's own standards set out in this document and relevant Building Regulations.

Environmental Works
Each consortium (3) will need to show a plan of how they can improve the environment in the PFI area, to include: improving safety in the communal areas, eg better use of lighting.

Programmed and Cyclical Maintenance
Each consortium will need a plan on how to maintain the expected standards set out by the Council for the length of the contract.

Tenant's Improvements
The contractor will need to inspect DIY improvements in a tenant's house, and ensure that the improvements meet the Council's minimum standards for all properties.

Additional Improvements to Leasehold and Freehold Dwellings
Leaseholders and Freeholders will benefit from any external work needed, or any work that the Council is still responsible for in the terms of the Lease or Freehold.

Major Works Consultation and Compensation
The contractor will be responsible for consulting residents about its repair programme and will provide customer care and insurance claims for the length of the contract.

Void Refurbishment
The contractor will not be paid for when a property is not being occupied. The exception: fire damages or when a property is ready to let out.

Irregular Occupation and Squatting
The contractor will get paid for properties where there are unauthorised occupant/s, as long as they can prove that they took the necessary precautions to make the property secure, and they are taking appropriate action to remove the occupant/s.