A new joint venture company will deliver all of Powys County Council’s building repair and maintenance services from this summer the authority has announced.

This new company will be registered in Powys and will be 50 per cent owned by the council to help maintain standards and engagement with service users

The council has announced that following a full and extensive procurement process, it is intending to appoint Kier as its partner who will own the remaining 50 per cent of the company. This decision means that all repairs, maintenance, minor works and statutory testing for the council’s housing, public and commercial buildings will be carried out by the new joint venture company.

It will also deliver major building projects such as new schools and provide technical construction advice to the council.

Councillor Rosemarie Harris, Cabinet Member for Property, Buildings and Housing, said: “Building and facility management is an important service for the council and we are delighted to be working with an experienced private sector partner. We are delighted to see the investment Kier is bringing to the partnership as well as the skill, knowledge and capacity they will provide to the staff group.

“This exciting new venture, which we hope will be fully operational by July, will improve services for the citizens of Powys, creating a sustainable company which will contribute to the local economy.

“The initiative will begin with building repairs and maintenance service and delivery of major projects, but could expand in future taking on other aspects of our property services such as cleaning or grounds maintenance.

Councillor Graham Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member Commissioning and Procurement, said: “Joint venture initiatives are being increasingly adopted by local authorities throughout the country as a very effective means of maintaining services whilst achieving the savings imposed on all authorities.

“I believe that this joint venture will be a positive for the council as it will contribute significantly to our long term financial position in a sustainable manner.”

Keir executive director for development, property and services, Nigel Turner said: “This joint venture draws on the knowledge and experience of our workplace services and housing maintenance businesses, and is a great example of us bringing together the Group’s breadth of expertise to provide a bespoke service to clients.

“We have a strong track record in Wales and are very much looking forward to providing vital services to the local community, making a real difference to the lives of the people who rely on them.”