Issue - meetings

RESOLVED that the contract extension of 2 years to Mobysoft for the RentSense software be approved.

Executive considered a report, presented by the Portfolio Holder for Housing, which sought Members approval for Housing to exercise the option to extend the contract with Mobysoft for RentSense for a further 2 years.

In May 2022, a contract was awarded to Mobysoft for its RentSense software on a 2-year fixed contract with an option to extend for one plus one years. Following a period of implementing and testing, the system went live in January 2023 and positive results had been seen from use of the software.

The RentSense system prioritised rent arrears cases using analytical technology which could predict which cases would generate the most positive result. The system reduced the number of cases which required contact and this freed up officer time. Officers had been able to commence targeted former tenancy arrears recovery as well as home visits to build up rapport with tenants and signpost for benefits advice and assistance where possible.

The original contract had an option to extend for a further 2 years, and the proposal was to do this to harness the success to date and look to enhance rent recovery, thereby, strengthening the Housing Revenue Account. The Contract could be extended by serving a notice to extend and no further procurement was necessary.

Moved by Councillor Sandra Peake and seconded by Councillor John Ritchie

RESOLVED that the contract extension of 2 years to Mobysoft for the RentSense software be approved.

Reasons for Recommendation

Mobysoft were identified as the best supplier through a tender procurement exercise, the existing contract allowed for an option to extend for a further 2 years. This system was ensuring that the Council achieved a better rent collection rate, and the Council was seeing a reduction in arrears. To extend the contract for a further 2 years would ensure the Council continued to reduce arrears and improve the Housing Revenue Account.

Alternative Options and Reasons for Rejection

To not extend the contract would mean the Council would lose the benefit of the RentSense system. Income Management Officers would need to look through all the Council tenant’s rent accounts and individually decide how to prioritise recovery, this was time consuming and unnecessary and did not allow for other activities to be undertaken. The analytics of Rent Sense reduce the amount of rent arrears cases each officer had to work on thereby ensuring they could carry out other duties within their role.