Your Grounds Maintenance service
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
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What does it mean for me?
We’ve listened to customers views on how we maintain the outside shared areas and as a result the new contract aims to deliver improvements to your grounds maintenance service.
There’ll be more people doing the work than under the existing contract with Idverde. Plus, the proposed new contractor will also employ seasonal workers, who’ll work longer days during the summer months in line with the increased daylight hours. This will mean work is completed on time and you’ll see the contractor on site more often.
The proposed new contractor will also manage the service differently, with separate teams doing different types of work. For example, there’ll be a team who cut the grass and a separate team who maintain shrubs, hedges, beds and borders.