Purpose

Barton House is a tower block of 14 storeys,
having been constructed in 1958. The block had previously been
identified as requiring fire safety remedial works to replace the
external cladding and to add fire sprinklers. A waking watch has
also been deployed in the block since May 2022.
A peer review of an earlier structural survey, undertaken by Arup
in November 2023, highlighted a risk of a fire, explosion or impact
having the capability to cause progressive collapse within the
building due to structural failure.
As a result of this risk, the decision was taken on 14 November
2023 to undertake an emergency evacuation of the building.
The emergency evacuation requires the provision of emergency
accommodation for the tenants, including the use of hotels, void
sheltered accommodation, guest houses and private sector landlords.
In addition to this, there are costs associated with providing hot
meals and transportation to those affected during the initial move
out as well as additional security measures around the
building.
Further costs around home loss payments, void loss from the units
affected, and any other compensation may also arise.
The decision is to spend on the above items up to a cumulative
total of £2.6m.

Content

Authorise:
a)the Executive Director, Growth and Regeneration to enter into a
contract with Holiday Inn in respect of accommodation to be
provided and any other contracts required to support and progress
the situation.
b)cumulative spend of up to £2.6m for which there is no
budgetary provision in relation to the emergency evacuation of
Barton House and the elements of spend set out above.
To note:
c)that reprioritisation of HRA budgets will be required to
accommodate the spend.
d)over the next month work will be undertaken to determine more
accurately the spend required, and the likely period of time over
which it is required, once further surveys have been conducted on
the building affected.
e)further Cabinet authority will be sought if required

Alternative options considered

Option 1 - not proceed with emergency spend
– would not address urgent need to evacuate and rehouse
residents.
Option 2 - reduced spend – not considered appropriate given
the impact on residents of being evacuated.