The Advanced Publication of Reports meeting on Thursday 25 January 2024 was scheduled to discuss a significant contract for fire remedial works within council housing. This contract aims to address fire safety issues identified in council properties across the borough.

Award of a Fire Remedial Works Contract (Housing Compliance)

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the proposed award of a contract for fire remedial works in council-owned properties. This contract is intended to address actions arising from Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs) conducted in council homes. The report pack indicated that the council has statutory duties as a landlord under various pieces of legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work (etc) Act 1974, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Fire Safety Act 2021, and the Building Safety Act 2022, to manage fire risks.

The works covered by the proposed contract include:

• Compartmentation works: Repairs and maintenance to ensure buildings can contain the spread of smoke and flames, keeping fire escape routes clear. This encompasses work on roofs, loft spaces, windows, doors (including flat front doors and balcony doors), walls, and fire stopping of penetrations in walls, ceilings, and floor slabs. It also includes the installation of fire breaks in landlord-controlled areas.
• Fire doors: Installation of new fire door sets in communal and landlord areas, as well as the repair, maintenance, and inspection of existing fire doors, including associated hardware like closers, locks, and seals.
• Signage: Installation or replacement of building information, safety, fire evacuation, and wayfinding signage.
• Fire upgrading: Application of paint for fire resistance.
• Waste management: Maintenance and repair of waste chutes, hoppers, and bin chambers.
• Emergency systems: Installation, upgrade, or repair of emergency lighting, automatic fire detection systems, dry risers, fire suppression systems, and automatic smoke vents.
• Other fire safety works: Any other block fire safety-related repairs, maintenance, or replacements.
• Fire Risk Assessments: The contract may also include Fire Risk Assessments and the development of Fire Risk Assessment Action plans.

The report pack indicated a recommendation to award the contract to Contractor A for a period of up to four years, with a total estimated budget of £4.4 million. The procurement process followed an invited process, as the estimated value was under the Public Contract Regulations (PCR) threshold. The evaluation of tenders was based on a 50/50 quality/cost split, and the form of contract proposed is the JCT Measured Term Contract (MTC).

The report highlighted that the contract would support the Council Plan objectives of More and better homes, Sustain healthy and safe communities, and An economy that works for everyone. It also detailed legal implications, including duties under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Building Safety Act 2022. An Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) was included, which concluded that the contract was not anticipated to have a significant differential impact on individuals with protected characteristics, as the works are intended to improve the quality and safety of homes for all residents. The EqIA noted that engagement with residents would be adapted according to their needs, such as vulnerability or language spoken.

The report also mentioned that leasehold services implications were being considered, with a Section 20 consultation process underway for passive fire works. The procurement was carried out by Echelon Consultancy Limited on behalf of the Council.