Decision

RESOLVED

Subject to Full Council approval of the associated budgets:

(i)            That the remediation of the residential walkways at The Forum (“the remediation works”) be approved;

(ii)           That the pre-tender support funding for the remediation works as outlined in the exempt appendix (and such further funding as may be provided by Homes England) and to delegate authority to the Head of Property and Facilities to authorise the expenditure of such funding be approved;

(iii)          That the funding for the remediation works as outlined in the exempt appendix (and such further funding as may be provided by Homes England) be approved;

(iv)          That the award of a contract for the remediation works (“the contract”) to the contractor identified and at the cost outlined in the exempt appendix be approved;

(v)           That authority be delegated to the Head of Property and Facilities, in consultation with the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to finalise the terms and conditions of, and to approve the entering into of, the contract;

(vi)          That authority be delegated to the Head of Property and Facilities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Property and the Director of Resources, to approve any other expenditure associated with the remediation works; and

(vii)        That authority be delegated to the Head of Property and Facilities, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Property and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to enter into any other contracts or other documentation required to give effect to the remediation works or matters ancillary thereto.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

(i)            To approve into budget from Homes England the amount specified in the exempt appendix (and such further amounts as may be received from Homes England) for pre-tender support costs; and

(ii)           To approve into budget from Homes England the amount specified in the exempt appendix (and such further amounts as may be received from Homes England) for the remediation works.

REASONS

To carry out remedial work to the residential walkways at the Forum.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED BUT REJECTED AS IDENTIFIED IN THE REPORT

Not undertaking these works was discounted on the basis that they are required to ensure the safety of individuals residing in the subject properties.

Additionally, not accepting the funding provided by Homes England was discounted on the basis that those funds have been made available for the purposes outlined in this report negating the requirement to draw on the Council’s reserve funds.