R0715C: Options for a multi-borough housing delivery vehicle and brokerage in support of a devolution proposition

Descriptions

London Councils is committed to fighting for more resources for London and getting the best possible deal for London’s 33 councils. We lobby for local governance for London boroughs, promoting their leadership of local communities and services and argue for the tools necessary for them to do that job. We also act as a catalyst for effective sharing of practice, knowledge, information and services between boroughs. London is facing an acute housing shortage, and new ways of working will need to be found in order to increase housing delivery. Such an approach will, in many instances, require new ways of working across borough boundaries. London Councils is therefore keen to explore options for delivery mechanisms that could help manage these challenges collaboratively, allowing for an equitable solution as far as possible between boroughs which also makes the most efficient and effective use of available funds to support new housing development. London Councils is also keen to explore how potential housing mechanisms could align with and provide critical support for a broader devolution proposition. The core proposition is that London, like other cities, should have significant responsibilities devolved from the national level, allowing us to stimulate growth, boost housing delivery and deliver more effective outcomes within a tight public spending settlement. The Government has indicated that its deadline for further and more detailed submissions is 4 September 2015 London Councils are therefore seeking a specialist consultancy support to: a). Design a small number (2-4) of options of new delivery vehicles that boroughs could develop collaboratively to manage a viable new build programme at scale across London. b) Engage with local leaders and political stakeholders to inform, develop and broker the proposals, in the context of the broader London devolution proposition. The Consultants will also provide weekly feedback and advice to allow the developing outline London proposition to be enhanced, where appropriate, in the run up to the Government’s 4 September 2015 deadline and during the process of consultation and negotiation that will continue through September 2015. London Councils is calling for quotations, outlining your proposed methodology and describing how the skills and experience of both your consultancy and nominated consultant(s) will allow for the delivery of the required services to a high standard as described in the London Councils objectives