The privatisation of Scottish Borders Council's network of loss making public toilets has come a step closer with private contractors now being invited to bid for a ten year deal estimated to cost the local authority £2.6 million.
A public contract notice published by the cash-strapped council this week says: "Scottish Borders Council currently manages and maintains 41 facilities. The Authority is seeking a long-term solution for the provision of such facilities as a discretionary area of work.
"Of the 41 facilities, 27 are currently charged for access at
the point of use at a rate of 30 pence, with the remainder being free (there is
no charge for access to RADAR Accessible facilities). The Authority is seeking
a way forward working with a third party to deliver a service that is efficient
and financially sustainable."
The move follows reports to councillors last year which revealed that predictions of income from users had been wildly over-stated.
In one report
officers assured members that charging for toilet provision would generate an
income of £280,000 a year. But a follow-up paper submitted to a meeting in June
2018 estimated that the total yearly income would be just £89,000.
The £179,000 a year deficit was attributed to “tailgating
(following the previous paying entrant into the facility), the ‘good Samaritan’
(people exiting the facility allowing free access by holding the entry door
open), families paying one fee for multiple usage or antisocial behaviour,
where people vandalise doors or wedge them open, allowing free access to all.”
It was reported that SBC was in discussions with a private
party regarding the running of the toilets, but nothing further has been heard
on that subject.
"The Authority has broken down its requirements into a number
of sections as detailed below and is seeking a single supplier to deliver all
of these requirements", says the notice.
" Sub-section 1: To provide all of the public conveniences
services Sub-section 2: To provide an options appraisal of the network,
identifying commercial opportunities and enhancements – with recommendations
and financial appraisal.
"Sub-section 3:To provide an options appraisal for
opportunities for potential installation of Changing Places Toilets
( including a financial appraisal detailing any potential grant funding sources.
Sub-section 4: To provide an options appraisal for opportunities for potential
charged Showers/changing units at key tourism/sport/leisure destinations,
supporting the growing cycle tourism economy/sustainable transport."
The contract is due to begin on April 1st 2020 and end on March 31st 2025.
The notice adds: "This contract is subject
to renewa. Description of renewals The initial contract will be awarded
for a five year period with an option to be renewed for a three year period and a
further and final two years.
"Tenderers should be members of the British Toilet
Association or be willing to join this organisation if awarded this contract.
"Bidders
are required to provide 3 examples of services they have delivered of a similar
value over the past three years that demonstrate their experience to deliver
the service.
"Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate - Date: 30/09/2019 Estimated date of dispatch of invitations to tender or to
participate to selected candidates Date: 25/10/2019."
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