Local Authorities

Local authorities seem to face increased pressure by the day. Brought on by shrinking budgets, and lower resource allocation; local authorities are often finding they still need to deliver projects, but are often doing so without clear defined budgets for their completion. Additionally with fewer resources within these organisations, procurement has become an increasingly difficult task. Both from the perspective of administering tenders, and also in developing clear and sustainable specifications that take into account the technical expertise required.

The pressure however is not entirely economic, local communities have become far more educated around the risks of flooding and invasive vegetation, such as Japanese knotweed are increasingly looking to local authorities to give advice, and in some circumstances accept responsibility for their management.

Procurement guidelines can make negotiations with specialist contractors difficult, and an unclear scoring system can require local authorities to accept lower cost submissions that are lacking in innovation and pay little account to long term management or the environment.

Local authority representatives are also being required to police and manage a number of highly complex issues, from issuing community protection orders against Japanese knotweed to adopting SUDS and water management schemes proposed by residential and commercial developers.

Local authority representatives are also being required to police and manage a number of highly complicated issues, from issuing community protection orders against Japanese knotweed, to adopting SUDS and water management schemes proposed by residential and commercial developers.

What can Ebsford do?

We have an enviable track record of working with local authority clients throughout the UK, we have vast experience of the challenges involved with successful delivery of local authority projects. To enhance our offering we are able to provide a number of additional services to assist.

We have prepared, and continue to develop a number of local authority specific presentations that are designed to give staff an introduction to niche areas. For example we offer CPD seminars and training in a range of topics including: differing invasive vegetation, putting together effective management strategies, issues affecting urban water bodies, and how to maximise restoration whilst enhancing biodiversity.

Our works can be developed either as a design and build through a single stage tender, or we can work with local authorities to develop a framework for management of invasive vegetation, over multiple years. Additionally we are able to advise local authorities on accessing funding, or procurement, through innovation partnerships, or existing mechanisms.

We understand that many local authority projects are about more than just project delivery.  At all stages we look to where possible, represent the council with local groups. In practice this can range from running workshops, or having local schools assist in seeding and planting, whilst also giving talks on biodiversity and ecology.

Our innovation is key. Our approach has always been to find the best solution for our clients. It's not just the way we work that is different. All of our solutions are developed with the aim of minimising impact and waste, which often leads to significant cost savings. Whilst our high levels of knowledge, experience and training means that all our projects are delivered to the highest possible standards. Preventing complaints and ambiguity that may result in compensation events or ultimately an unsuccessful project outcome. We've looked at every part of our operation to find the best way to do it, allowing us to offer you a better service.