Issue - meetings

This item was Chaired by Diana Minns (Vice-Chair)

 

Matter for Decision

The Council owns a number of blocks of flats built in the 1950s and 1960s. Many of these flats have structural concrete elements. Further to a report submitted to Housing Scrutiny Committee in January 2020, Estates and Facilities have been surveying blocks of flats that have three stories or more and a further list of properties where structural repair work is required has been identified. Detail designs were underway, and the work needed to be tendered in order to award a contract(s) to a building contractor.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

Approved the issue of tenders and, following evaluation of tenders, authorised the Strategic Director (following consultation with Executive Councillor, Chair, Vice Chair and Spokes of the Committee) to award a contract(s) to a contractor(s) to carry out structural repairs and associated repair works to Council housing flats.

 

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

 

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

 

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Asset Manager.

 

The Asset Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.          There would be no climate change impact from the repair work, it was making good what was already in place.

     ii.          Other programs of work in the housing capital program may have a more positive impact in reducing climate change.

Councillor Todd-Jones said work would lead to more energy efficient buildings.

   iii.          Stakeholders were being consulted about repairs, the council would listen to resident’s wishes about whether they would like repairs to be undertaken or not. Officers would be mindful of the impact of repairs (eg noise) as people stayed at home due to covid lockdown.

   iv.          The budget provision for work was already set out in the Council’s 30 year plan. If committee members wished to scrutinise progress of the contract process then a report could be brought back to Housing Scrutiny Committee.

 

Councillor Robertson said processes were in place for officers to oversee the contract process if/once delegation was given.

 

The Strategic Director said a  general capital program delivery report could be brought  to committee, but not one for individual projects.

 

Diane Best requested a change to the recommendation in the Officer’s report (amendment shown as bold text):

 

Approved the issue of tenders and, following evaluation of tenders, authorised the Strategic Director (following consultation with Executive Councillor, Chair, Vice Chair and Spokes of the Committee) to award a contract(s) to a contractor(s) to carry out structural repairs and associated repair works to Council housing flats.

 

The Committee unanimously approved this amended recommendation.

 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendation as amended.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

 

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.