Dudley Council housing project could be delayed due to Covid-19 outbreak

The local authority is asking construction companies to tender for the work – which could be worth up to £28 million to the successful bidder.

Councillor Laura Taylor, Dudley Council's cabinet member for housing, communities and residents’ welfare, said: “As part of the council’s commitment to invest and maintain 21,000 homes, we are in the process of appointing a range of contractors to help us deliver the necessary works.

“This is part of a five year rolling programme. The contract will include roofing works, internal refurbishments such as new bathrooms and kitchens as well as general repairs.”

An official tender notice posted in February says the contract is currently unfulfilled and the council is looking for potential suppliers to contact them with bid applications.

Construction companies are asked to bid for the lucrative contract by the April 6, deadline with a proposed start date of June.

But because of the coronavirus outbreak, which has seen many firms suspend work on existing projects until the health emergency is over, the council has said the work could be delayed.

Nationally, the Government is facing growing pressure to halt non-essential construction work as it tries to grapple with the coronavirus outbreak.

Last week, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said construction workers could continue to work as long as they are two metres apart.

Saying the contract could be put back, Councillor Taylor said: “The contract is expected to commence in summer 2020, but this could change in light of the current situation.”

The programme is expected to be completed by 2025.