Decision

To proceed with an application to the First-tier Tribunal for dispensation from the Section 20 consultation requirements in respect of the temporary fire alarm installation at Hastings Close, and to seek recovery of the associated costs from leaseholders where permitted.

Reasons for the decision

The temporary fire alarm system was required urgently to address fire safety concerns at Hastings Close and it was not considered possible to complete the full Section 20 consultation process before commencing the works. Advice from officers indicated that an application for dispensation could enable recovery of leaseholder contributions estimated at approximately £52,500. The decision was supported on the basis that all necessary documentation and evidence would be available to support the application and provide a clear audit trail for the decision.

Alternative options considered

• Undertake a full Section 20 consultation before commencing the works. Rejected because the urgency of the fire safety works did not allow sufficient time to complete the consultation process prior to installation.
• Take no action to seek dispensation and limit cost recovery to the statutory consultation cap. Rejected as this would significantly reduce the council's ability to recover costs from leaseholders.
• Write off leaseholder contributions exceeding the consultation cap. Rejected as officers considered there was a reasonable prospect of recovering the costs through a successful dispensation application.