Councillor Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families, approved a contract for urgent condition works at Fortismere School. The meeting also noted the council's policy on filming meetings.

Fortismere School Urgent Condition Works Phase 2

Councillor Zena Brabazon approved the award of a contract to Contractor B for urgent condition works at Fortismere School at a tender price of £1,367,012. This decision also approves the issuance of a Letter of Intent for £136,701, representing 10% of the contract sum. The total projected cost for this project, including works up to May 2024 and forecast costs for 2024/25 and 2025/26, is £2,079,118.

The need for these works was identified in a February 2022 feasibility study, which recommended improvements to the school's building services and fabric to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and maintain the resilience of its mechanical and electrical systems. The works have been split into two phases to minimise disruption. Phase One, completed in summer 2022, addressed structural defects and fire precaution issues in Block H. Phase Two, now approved, will tackle wider issues across the school, including fire compartmentalisation, replacement fire doors, extending the heating system to Block E, concrete repairs, electrical mains power distribution renewal, and water tank replacement.

The report considered alternative options, including do nothing, which was rejected due to the serious health and safety risks and potential liability for Haringey Council under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999¹. Other options considered and discounted included using contractors from the London Construction Programme (LCP) Major Framework, as a more competitive offer was anticipated via the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). Undertaking the works in-house was also deemed not feasible due to a lack of available resources, specialist expertise, and qualifications within the Council.

The procurement process involved issuing an Invitation To Tender (ITT) via the LCP's Dynamic Purchasing System for Minor Works. The evaluation was based on a 40% quality to 60% price ratio. Contractor B scored the highest overall, with a total score of 88.08%, based on their quality, social value, and price. The cost consultant confirmed that Contractor B's bid represented value for money.

These works are expected to contribute to Theme 3 of the Corporate Delivery Plan 2022-2024, focusing on Children and Young People, and supporting the outcome of enabling young people to have pathways to success and live healthy, fulfilling lives. The project is also anticipated to reduce the borough's carbon emissions by approximately 20.99 tonnes of CO2 per annum through the installation of energy-efficient measures, such as extending heating systems and replacing the electrical system with more efficient infrastructure.

The decision was made under Contract Standing Order (CSO) 16.02, which allows for urgent decisions to be allocated to a Cabinet Member, and CSO 9.07.1d, which states that contracts valued at £500,000 or more can only be awarded by the Cabinet. The report was reviewed by the Director of Finance, Strategic Procurement, and the Assistant Director of Legal & Governance (Monitoring Officer), who raised no objections. The Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) under the Equalities Act 2010 was also considered, with no negative consequences identified for those with protected characteristics. The works are expected to have a wholly positive impact by improving the health and safety of students, staff, and visitors.