Framework Agreement for the provision of Gas Tightness Testing

Local Government Re-organisation

1. On 16 July 2026, the Secretary of State confirmed the reorganisation of local government in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent into two new unitary authorities comprising:

(i) a North Staffordshire Unitary Authority covering Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands; and

(ii) a South Staffordshire Unitary Authority covering Stafford, East Staffordshire, Cannock Chase, Lichfield, Tamworth and South Staffordshire;

2. the existing county, city, district and borough councils within Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are expected to be abolished and replaced by the new unitary authorities with effect from the relevant vesting date established by law, currently anticipated to be April 2028;
3. secondary legislation and transitional arrangements will be implemented by Government to give effect to the reorganisation; and
4. this Agreement may require transfer, assignment, novation or variation to give effect to the local government reorganisation and any statutory requirements arising from it.

Transfer, Assignment or Novation

The Provider consents to the transfer, assignment, novation or vesting of this Agreement (in whole or in part), whether by operation of law or otherwise, to any successor authority, shadow authority or replacement authority established as part of the local government reorganisation. Such transfer, assignment, novation or vesting shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement and shall not entitle the Provider to any compensation, adjustment, loss of profit, loss of opportunity or other financial remedy.

Continuity of Services

The Provider shall ensure uninterrupted performance of the Services throughout the implementation of the local government reorganisation and shall cooperate with the Council, any shadow authority and any successor authority to ensure a smooth transition of service delivery.

TUPE

Where applicable, the Parties acknowledge that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE) may apply as a consequence of the local government reorganisation and shall comply with their respective obligations under TUPE.

Co-operation and Transition

The Provider shall co-operate fully with the Council, any shadow authority and any successor authority in connection with the implementation of the local government reorganisation, including:

• providing information reasonably requested
• attending transition and mobilisation meetings
• executing all documents reasonably required to effect any transfer, assignment, novation or statutory vesting of this Agreement; and
• supporting any service transition activities

at no additional cost to the Council unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing.

A Information Sharing

The Provider shall provide to the Council, any shadow authority and/or any successor authority such information, records and documentation relating to this Agreement and the Services as may be reasonably requested for the purposes of planning, implementing or operating local government reorganisation, including information required for service continuity, contract management, financial planning, audit, governance, statutory compliance and transition arrangements.

The Parties shall ensure that any disclosure of information under this clause is carried out in compliance with Applicable Law, including Data Protection Legislation and obligations of confidentiality under this Agreement.

Any information shared pursuant to this clause shall be used solely for purposes connected with the local government reorganisation and the management, transfer or continuation of the Services.

Variations

The Parties may agree such amendments to this Agreement as are reasonably necessary to:

a) reflect the identity of a successor authority;

b) implement statutory requirements arising from the local government reorganisation; or

c) facilitate the continued delivery of the Services following the local government reorganisation.

No such amendment shall, of itself, entitle the Provider to any additional payment or compensation unless expressly agreed by the Parties in writing.

Termination following Local Government Reorganisation

a) The Council or any successor authority may terminate this Agreement in whole or in part in accordance with Clause 25 (Break Clause) where local government reorganisation results in a material change to service delivery requirements, funding arrangements or operational requirements.

b) The Provider shall not be entitled to compensation, loss of profit or additional payment arising from termination under this clause, save for undisputed charges properly due for Services delivered up to the effective date of termination.