Agreement to improve, repair and maintain 16,000 council homes could be worth by worth up to £600m

North Tyneside council has named Kier preferred bidder for a contract potentially worth more than £600m.

The agreement would last for an initial 10-year term, with a potential extension of five years. If selected, Kier would be responsible for improvements, repairs and maintenance of16,000 council homes and council owned buildings.

The contract would entail the transfer of 500 council employees to Kier, and is expected to start on 7 September.