The Officer Key Decision meeting scheduled for Monday 20 July 2026 was set to discuss compartmentation surveys and remedial works at Brassett Point. This was the sole item on the agenda, and the report pack detailed the background, proposals, and financial implications of the proposed works.

Brassett Point - Compartmentation Surveys and Remedial Works

The meeting's agenda included a report concerning compartmentation surveys and remedial works at Brassett Point. The report pack indicated that the purpose was to seek approval for awarding a contract to identify and undertake necessary compartmentation fire safety remedial actions. This included emergency works that had already commenced in response to notices from the Building Safety Regulator.

The report outlined that the contract would cover both the surveys and the immediate resolution of any emergency works identified. It was noted that the decision was a retrospective approval due to the urgent nature of the works, which were instructed to begin immediately to address health and safety risks. The proposed contract was with Greyline Group Ltd. for compartmentation surveys, asbestos R&D surveys, and emergency remedial works, with an estimated total value of £888,595. This was to be undertaken via a direct call-off under the Procure Public Ltd. Framework.

The report detailed that the current Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) for Brassett Point, identified as a Higher-Risk Building (HRB) under the Building Safety Act 2022, highlighted the need for compartmentation remedial actions. The urgency of the situation meant that it was not practicable to wait for building control approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) before commencing remediation. The report also stated that the Council's in-house Repairs and Maintenance Service (RMS) did not have the capacity to deliver the scheme within the required timeframe.

The proposals included conducting asbestos R&D surveys, compartmentation surveys of all dwellings and communal areas, and identifying and reporting on remedial work actions. Emergency remedial works would be undertaken immediately upon formal instruction. The report indicated that the costs were reviewed by the Council's construction consultants, Bellrock, who provided a Value for Money assessment. The total sum of £888,595 was itemised as the cost for surveys and emergency works.

The report highlighted that the decision supported the Council's commitment to its Homes for Our Residents priority and aimed to increase resident satisfaction with the quality of their homes. It also acknowledged significant risks if the project was not carried out effectively, including health and safety risks to residents, reputational damage, and potential financial liabilities.

Regarding consultation, residents had been informally consulted, but formal leaseholder consultation under Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 was not conducted prior to the commencement of emergency works due to the urgency. The Council was actively considering the legal position regarding leaseholder cost recovery.

Financially, the proposed expenditure was included within the 2025/26 to 2029/30 Investment Stock-Assets budget, part of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Capital Programme. The funding mix included contributions from leaseholders, HRA reserves, and new HRA borrowing, with an estimated annual impact on the HRA revenue budget. The report noted that contract costs were estimates and any variations would be subject to further approval and contained within the existing capital budget.

Legally, the report sought approval to use the Procure Public Building Refurbishment framework, which was compliant with the Public Contract Regulations 2015. The decision supported the Council's discharge of its duties as landlord and Principal Accountable Person under the Building Safety Act 2022 and enabled compliance with regulatory notices served by the BSR. The Council had the power to procure and enter the contract under the general power of competence provided by the Localism Act 2011.

The report stated there were no equality and diversity implications arising from the proposals. The procurement process involved a direct award to Greyline Group Ltd., identified as the top-ranked supplier under the relevant framework. A Contract Finders Notice was to be completed in line with Public Procurement Regulations 2015.

The report was signed by Paul Kitson, Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy & Housing. It was noted that key decisions made by officers cannot be implemented until the sixth working day following the date of publication to allow members to call in the decision.