Decision

1. That proceeding to procurement via a compliant procurement route (as set out in paragraph 3.27) for the design and build works contract for the Kentwood scheme at an estimated value as set out in Part 2 of this report, with delegated authority to the Director of Housing, Planning, Property & Regeneration to finalise the procurement route be approved.
2. That authority be delegated to the Director of Housing, Planning, Property & Regeneration to approve award of contract for the design and build works for the Kentwood scheme, subject to tendered costs being within the available budget as outlined in Part 2 of this report, and subject to consultation with the Portfolio Holder, the Assistant Director Governance & Contracts, the Director of Corporate Services  and the Director of Finance.
3. That it be determined that the decision is urgent and the call-in procedure does not apply, as any delay caused by the call-in process will seriously prejudice the Council’s interests.

Reasons for the decision

An urgent decision is required to enable progression of the scheme. At present, delivery cannot advance without authority to proceed to tender for the works contract.

The urgency arises for two main reasons. First, public engagement sessions are scheduled and already advertised for this month. The proposed procurement route is a design and build contract, and it is therefore essential that a contractor is appointed in time to consider and appropriately incorporate feedback from those sessions into the developing design.

Secondly, the scheme is supported by approximately £900,000 of external grant funding. Existing programme slippage has already required engagement with the Greater London Authority (GLA), and there is increasing risk that further delay could impact funding certainty. Securing approval at this stage is therefore necessary to maintain delivery momentum and protect the associated funding.

Given these factors, it is considered that any delay in obtaining authority would materially prejudice the Council’s ability to deliver the scheme within required timescales and funding conditions.