Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

The report set out gas safety concerns relating to pre 2004 leasehold properties within flat blocks in the city. A low-cost option was recommended to address concerns and for minimising the risk of a gas related incident occurring.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Housing

Approved the following low cost option:

(i)   Estates and Facilities generate and send out a letter (appendix1 of the officers report) to all leaseholders outlining Gas Safety requirements with the option to enter into a private agreement between the Councils approved sub-contractor Compton & Parkinson to have their gas supply and appliances inspected, checked and serviced at a competitive price that has been negotiated between the Council and Contractor.

(ii)  There are at present 400 Leasehold flats that we have no knowledge of gas maintenance history. These will receive letters first as they pose potential significant risk.

(iii)                    Every Leasehold dwelling 1079 in total will receive the gas Safety letter on an Annual basis.

(iv)                   That a progress report be brought back to the committee in 1 years’ time.

 

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 Engineering Services Team Leader.

 

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

 

(i)             Thanked officers for their hard work.

(ii)            Highlighted that, whilst no low cost option could ensure 100% compliance with gas safety certificates, the proposal by officers was a sensible option.

(iii)          Highlighted previous confusion regarding the process for pre and post 2004 leaseholders. 

 

In response to Members’ questions the Engineering Services Team Leader confirmed the following:

 

(i)             Letters would be sent out every year in order to continually remind residents and encourage them to engage with the City Council.

(ii)            Whilst wording was included in lease agreements regarding the requirements for gas certificates, the Legal Department’s view was that it was not robust enough to stand up in court.

(iii)          The City Council had to evidence that they were actively trying to engage with residents and address the issue.

(iv)         A ‘Gas Safety Week’ takes place each year, and officers attend community events to educated residents about gas safety.

(v)           Whilst the quotes provided in the letter by Compton & Parkinson were very competitive, residents were not obligated to use this contractor.

 

Councillor Johnson proposed and Councillor Bird seconded an additional recommendation to ensure that a progress report be brought back to the committee in 1 years’ time.

 

On a show of hands the committee endorsed this proposed additional recommendation unanimously.

 

The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendations.

 

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.