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For the Director of Capital Projects and
Property to approve the variation of existing works contract with
Niblock (Builders) Limited for the refurbishment of Highgate
Library increasing the purchase order to Niblock (Builders) Limited
by £11,360.00 pursuant to Contract Standing Order
(CSO)18.03.3 and CSO 2.02(b)

The works are for Highgate Library which forms part of the Library
Transformation Programme.

The original contract was approved by Cabinet in December 2022 for
£536,326.96 plus an agreed 10% contingency of
£53,632.70, offering a total contract value of
£589,959.67.

In December 2023 the contract was varied to a value of
£653,640 due to project scope changed during construction
phase. The project completed in December 2023.

The total cost over the life the contract (including this
variation) is £665,000.00.

For the Director of Capital Projects and Property to approve an
increase of the project budget from £955,408.05 to
£993,023.42 to accommodate both the variation to the works
contract (£11,360) and also the additional professional fees
and disbursements which this initial uplift attracts
(£26,255.37)

Reasons for the decision

Variations have been instructed under the contract by the Contract
Administrator. The works completed in December 2023. Payment is
overdue.

Alternative options considered

The decision to not pay the contractor what has been determined to
be contractually due to the contractor would expose LBH to a claim
from the contractor for breach of contract. This approach has been
rejected.