An update on the City Catering Southampton contract

This statement is further to an announcement made on 13 October 2023 about the catering provision at council-owned housing with care schemes in Southampton.

As is best practice when a council contract approaches its end, we consider whether it delivers value for money and provides the best outcomes for our residents. The decision to not renew the catering contract at Erskine Court and Potters Court was made after careful review and consideration of the use of the restaurants, which have been operating at under capacity for some time.

However, after gathering feedback from residents and receiving expressions of interest from other caterers, we have agreed with City Catering Southampton to extend the current contract for a short period. We intend to use this time to support residents to investigate alternative food options and explore the viability of the different providers’ offers.

We have communicated with impacted residents today, 25 October 2023, and will keep everyone updated as more details are confirmed. If residents have any questions or want to be involved in developing new ways of using the restaurant spaces in the future, they should speak to their Housing Support Worker in the first instance.

To read the previous announcement on 13 October 2023, please see Statement on the future of the contract with City Catering Southampton.