Hackney council's housing department is considering letting a 15-year construction management deal for its £80m annual repair, maintenance and capital works programme.
Noel Foley, the council's procurement and partnering manager, said an advert would be published in the European Union's Official Journal next month asking for innovative proposals for pilots to handle the workload.

He said: "We are looking at a number of options and our belief is, looking at other authorities, that construction management is very attractive." A contractor will be appointed for the pilot in autumn and, if successful, the firm is in line to take on the work for up to 15 years.

Foley will hold seminars following the OJ notice where the firms could present their ideas and the council will explain its needs.

Last year, the council revealed a £40m deficit.

Foley hopes that the successful contractor will place staff in the housing department's offices to share project management and technical skills with the local authority's staff.

The council also aims to set up partnering arrangements with subcontractors and suppliers that would be paid by the council. Foley's aim is to turn the council's housing department into an intelligent client.