Private Sector Engagement to Support the Delivery of Housing within Edinburgh

The purpose of the PIN is to engage developers, investors and landowners to identify:

• Private sector partners who have land which the Council may be interested in purchasing, subject to capacity and financial viability;
• Private sector partners who have completed homes on sites (which are complete already or will be available for purchase on completion in the near future). These may be through section 75 agreements where Registered Social Landlord (RSLs) are not already engaged to deliver the affordable housing; or homes that may be suitable for mid-market and market rent over and above those being delivered on as part of any affordable housing requirement. Initial consideration and sifting of these proposals will be considered in relation to the high-level parameters in Appendix 1 which is available for download;
• Institutional investors and other delivery partners who can offer innovative models, including lease-based structures, which could deliver homes across a number of tenures. Again, Initial consideration and sifting of these proposals will be considered in relation to the high-level parameters in Appendix 1;

Our key aims in our engagement with private sectors are:

• To identify engagement and procurement models which are aimed at reducing complex procurement procedures through establishment of a streamlined and transparent procurement process such as a Dynamic Purchasing System which will ensure compliance with Procurement Regulations and offers the flexibility required to react to opportunities over a number of years.
• To maximise opportunities for open and transparent dialogue which will support the Council in accelerating its affordable homes programme
• To identify more immediate opportunities which can be delivered through land and property transactions
• To raise awareness and progress potential innovative solutions for accelerating delivery of affordable homes.

It is expected that following the PIN, a sourcing strategy will be devised which will be based on our assessment of market appetite; availability of suitable opportunities and the legal and procurement context in which the Council can engage ensuring transparency and equal opportunity.

Interested parties are asked to complete the questionnaire which is attached to this PIN with details of their proposals or other information for initial consideration and further discussion against the high-level parameters. Additional information: If you would like any further information, please contact Kelly Faulds, Category Delivery Lead by email on kelly.faulds@edinburgh.gov.uk