This meeting was about a decision that had been scheduled to be made by Karime Hassan, Interim Strategic Director for Growth.

Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry Fabrication and Support Services Contract

A report was prepared for this meeting about awarding a contract to provide fabrication and support services for the Tamar Bridge and Torpoint Ferry. The contract, which would be for four years with an option to extend it to ten, would cover essential and routine fabrication, welding repairs and maintenance requirements . It was proposed that the contract be awarded to the winner of a tender process that had been run by Cornwall Council on behalf of Plymouth City Council and Cornwall Council, who jointly own the bridge.

The report argued that it would not be practical to directly employ staff to carry out the work in-house.

This option has been considered on several occasions. However, it is currently not considered desirable or practical. [...] Additionally, the two sites do not have sufficient workshop/fabrication facilities or space to develop such facilities.

— Public reports pack Tuesday 10-Dec-2024 Delegated Decisions, page 3

The report noted that because the Tamar Bridge is funded by tolls, the contract would not have a direct impact on the council's budget.

An Equality Impact Assessment argued that the decision would not have a negative impact on any protected groups because it was an operational matter related to the awarding of a contract for fabrication and support services. An environmental assessment similarly found that the contract would have no negative environmental impact.