THE much-criticised company, hired to keep Bexley's public buildings clean, has been re-awarded the contract, provoking a storm of protest.

Furious opposition members on Bexley Council criticised cabinet member Councillor Neil Sayers for his decision to renew the contract to Mitie Cleaning.

The row over Mitie took place behind closed doors because of "commercial confidentiality".

Cllr Sayers took the final decision on the Mitie contract after Labour members, helped by Liberal Democrats and rebel Tory councillor Graham Holland, managed to get the original decision referred back to him.

Mitie was first awarded the contract in the early 1990s and was criticised, especially by schools, for poor standard of cleaning.

Its staff, formerly employed by the council, said they had to supply their own cleaning materials because what they were given was not enough to clean the schools properly.

After forcing the company to pay financial penalties, the council eventually re-negotiated the contract and gave the company an extra £100,000.

But many cleaners and schools said the problem had not been resolved.

Now 80 per cent of Bexley schools have opted out of the Mitie contract and make their own cleaning arrangements. When the contract was renewed in 1994, councils were still obliged to accept the lowest tender.

But Labour says the key issue now is quality before cost.

Labour also claims a rise in the minimum wage paid to its cleaners was not reflected in Mitie's costings in its latest tender.

It says the company must be cutting costs elsewhere to pay for the rise in wages.

Labour group leader Councillor Chris Ball has also complained to chief executive Chris Duffield about the way the decision was handled.

He says Cllr Sayers had extra detailed information which was not given to other councillors.

December 4, 2001 11:55

Linda Piper