DESPITE a consistent litany of complaints about the quality of work in social housing across the borough – and the fact that the council is bankrupt after a series of failed investments and botched capital projects – Thurrock councillors will be told next week they need to find another £22.8 million for one of its chosen maintenance contractors.

A report to the council's cabinet, which meets next Wednesday (11 January), says 'increased work volumes and inflationary pressures' justify the increase for Mears Ltd, one of a number of companies that carries out repairs and maintenance on its social housing stock.

The council entered into a five-year contract with Mears in 2014. This was later extended for another five years and is due to expire in February 2025. The contract was worth £60million over the ten year period. By the end of this financial year, £57.4 million of that will have been spent so the council says it has to allocate more money

The contract is based on price per property, which equates to Mears attending on average three repairs per council housing property per year.

The forecasted spend for the remaining two years of the contract for 2023/24 is £8,654,000 and for 2024/25 it is £9,174,000 with total expenditure forecasted to be £22,828,000

A report to cabinet, which will meet on Wednesday, said: "There is a risk to the delivery of the repairs and maintenance contract if funds are not secured to meet the projected costs.

"Should this be the case, there will be a deterioration of living standards for residents as well as the deterioration of properties.

"It will also mean the council will not meet its landlord obligations under the Fitness for Human Habitation Act with implications for all protected groups with some, potentially, more disadvantaged than others including as a consequence of age and disability."

The council says part of the problem is the legacy of London's Grenfell fire tragedy in 2017, placing an extra burden on Mears' original contract agreement.

The council said it had to implement enhanced fire detection programmes including upgrades to detection systems in communal areas, accelerated roll out of fire doors programmes and smoke and heat detection systems upgrades, adding an additional £3million to the contract.

Electrical works carried out to regulation standards have added another £4million to the contract with Mears said to be carrying out 1,000 jobs a year outside its price per property agreement.

Over the decade of the contract with Mears - and other companies - Nub News and other media outlets have consistency reported on the poor management, lack of quality and consistent failures in the council's maintenance of its homes. This extensive report in the Metro last year highlights many failings.