BOROUGH chiefs are considering closing offices over the next three years in a bid to save money.

Cheshire East Council is currently offering a contract worth £135,000 to firms who can help move files, equipment and furniture from sites across the borough.

The contract, which is advertised on the Government’s contracts finder website, would start on June 1 and end on March 30, 2020, and is described as the ‘provision of staff relocation, furniture relocation, and furniture removal and disposal’.

In its contract specification, CEC states that a company is required to move items such as ‘storage, filing cabinets, tambour units, bookcases and IT equipment’ – and that moves could be made at short notice.

It says: “CEC is currently undergoing a scheme to reduce its office portfolio. The programme involves both the relocation of staff from various buildings throughout east Cheshire, and within existing corporate buildings.

“In addition to the movement of staff, files and equipment, there is a requirement to dispose of any surplus furniture, which must be carried out in line with environmental practices and recycled wherever possible.

“A professional removal and crate hire company is required to assist with the relocation and disposal process, together with the planning and implementation of any moves.

“Moves can take place internally in one building or externally between buildings and locations across the CEC authority area and occasionally across the Cheshire area.

“The scale of office moves may vary significantly and may occur at short notice. The type of removal equipment required, number of crates to be supplied and the size of vehicle needed will be decided on a job-by-job basis.”

As part of the contract, CEC would review the agreement at least twice a year, and the contractor would have to work at times agreed by the council.

A spokesman for CEC confirmed to the Guardian that the move aims to save money for the council’s ‘frontline services’.

“The procurement opportunity currently listed on the contracts finder service is a straightforward renewal of an existing contract for ad hoc moves and changes between and within the authority’s buildings,” the spokesman said.

“The council continues to review its property portfolio, in order to make the best and most appropriate use of its resources, ensuring funding is redirected to frontline services.”