The Cabinet Member Signing of Haringey Council was scheduled to convene to discuss a variation to the Broadwater Farm (BWF) Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) Programme. The proposed variation would increase the contract sum by £690,000, bringing the revised total to £5.94 million. These additional funds would facilitate essential fire safety works across eight blocks within the Broadwater Farm Estate.

BWF - FRA Programme Variation

The meeting was scheduled to address a proposed variation to the BWF - FRA Programme, as detailed in the Public Reports Pack. Councillor Sarah Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning (Deputy Leader), was asked to consider a recommendation to approve the variation of the BWF Fire Risk Assessment and Protective Coatings contract, increasing the contract sum by £690,000.

The report pack stated that the additional works are required to ensure the programme achieves full compliance with current Fire and Building Safety Regulations. The report pack noted that the works would apply to all eight blocks within the existing BWF contract.

According to the report pack, the additional works include:

• Replacement of all windows, including spandrel panels to the communal stairwell of Kenley, a 17-storey residential block
• Installation of enhanced emergency lighting across all wing blocks
• Provision of additional fire-rated doors on external balconies
• Upgraded wayfinding and fire safety signage
• Implementation of essential fire safety features and surface finishes across all eight blocks on the Estate

The report pack stated that these measures would ensure compliance with current building and fire safety across the estate.

The report pack stated that the project commenced in November 2023, and that during the works, the project team identified and agreed that additional works are required to ensure the project meets current fire safety regulations.

The report pack stated that the additional £690,000 to increase the value of the BWF FRA and Specialist Coatings Programme would be funded from the budget allocated for the Broadwater Farm Refurbishment Programme.

The report pack stated that leaseholders were consulted prior to the award of contract in line with the requirements of Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenants Act 1985¹.

The report pack stated that a cost consultant had assessed the contract variation and cost from the main contractor and determined that the proposed increase contract sum of £690k for the additional works is appropriate, reflecting both the nature of the works and prevailing market conditions.

The report pack stated that doing nothing was not an option as the council needs to comply with current fire safety regulations to ensure the safety of residents and visitors to the 8 blocks on the Broadwater Farm Estate.

The report pack stated that Rochford and Martlesham are not covered under this scope, and that these two blocks will instead benefit from upgrade works under the separate Pilot Refurbishment Programme.

Exclusion of Press and Public

The agenda stated that item 8, which is the exempt version of the BWF FRA - Programme Variation report, was likely to be subject to a motion to exclude the press and public from the meeting. The reason given was that it contains exempt information as defined in Section 100a of the Local Government Act 1972², namely information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person and information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.