Your Grounds Maintenance service

Hermitage Park block and grounds

Our current grounds maintenance contract with idverde UK is due to end on 31 March 2025, so we’ve been looking at a new contract to provide grounds maintenance services to our outside shared spaces.  

The grounds maintenance services included in this contract are:   

  • grass cutting
  • maintenance of shrubs and hedges
  • litter picking
  • sweeping of hard surfaces
  • weed treatment 

We’ve used customer feedback from surveys and the first stage of consultation (in August 2024) to shape and improve the service for customers. 

The services for all our estates will be awarded in one contract, as this offers better value for money and consistency. These costs are paid by customers through service charges, so we aim to deliver better value for money, as well as improve service standards and maintenance of our shared outdoor spaces. 

How did you choose a new contractor?  

We received six tenders for the contract.  (A tender is a formal way to submit a quote to provide services.) 

We considered the cost, value for money and quality of services offered. Each tender was then scored. 

The company that scored the highest and who we’re proposing to offer the contract to is Gould Landscapes Limited. They’re a Kent-based company who work with other housing associations and have a strong reputation for customer service. 

What next? 

We’ve written to all customers who receive this service with what is called a section 20 notice of intention and also provided some FAQs to help explain more. You can also see these below. 

There is now a period of 30 days for you to ask any further questions. 

Observations (Comments)   

If you wish to send any feedback or formal observations in response to our proposal, these must be sent in writing and received by 5pm on 13 March 2025.    

Please send your observations via e-mail to section20@goldinghomes.org.uk or post to: 

Alex Harpur, Commercial Portfolio & Project Lead, Golding Homes, County Gate One, Staceys Street, Maidstone, Kent ME14 1ST 

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Does this mean my service charges will go up?

  2. How can I find out more information about my right to be consulted?

  3. How can I let you know what I think or ask a question?

  4. How did you assess companies for this contract?

  5. How does a section 20 consultation work?

  6. How much will it cost?

  7. How will you monitor the standard of service from the new contractor?

  8. What does it mean for me?

  9. What happens next?

  10. When will the new contractor start?

  11. Who is the proposed new contractor?

  12. Why are you sending this notice?

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