Construction union UCATT are warning that council tenants in Norwich face huge cuts in the repairs and other services they receive, following the council's decision to let its main housing contract to private provider Connaught.

Last month it was announced that Connaught had won the bulk of Norwich's City Care contract. The company valued the contract, which begins in 2010/11 at £27 million. However the current contract for 2009/10 is understood to be valued at £41 million.

Of even greater concern is the Council House Repairs, Maintenance and Improvements section of the contract. Currently it is understood this costs £26 million per annum but in 2010/11 Connaught are proposing to spend just £17.4 million on this critical service.


Brian Rye, Regional secretary of UCATT's Eastern Region, is seeking an urgent meeting with officials at Norwich City Council, to raise his grave concerns about the low cost of the bid and the implications that this will have for the quality of the service.

Mr Rye, said: "I do not believe that Connaught can deliver the same standard of service that Norwich housing tenants currently enjoy, judging by the price the company have bid for the contract. I fear that tenants’ lives will become a misery as urgent repairs and promised housing improvements will be not be fulfilled."

UCATT also fear that Connaught will attempt to cut costs by reducing the number of employees and cutting the pay, pensions and conditions of the workers who remain.

IMr Rye, added: "Our members at Norwich City Care are dedicated to achieving the best possible service for local tenants. It is essential that their dedication is recognised and that they do not become the innocent victims of extreme cost-cutting exercises in a desperate attempt to fulfil the contract at this bargain basement price."

(CD/BMcC)