The Officer Key Decision meeting scheduled for Tuesday 28 July 2026 is set to discuss proposals for decarbonisation works at Roman Road Primary School. The decision-making authority for this matter is delegated to the Corporate Director of Children's and Young People's Services.

Roman Road School - Phase 1 Decarbonisation Works - Pre-procurement Approval

The primary item scheduled for discussion is the pre-procurement approval for Phase 1 decarbonisation works at Roman Road Primary School. The report indicates that the current gas heating system at the school, built in the 1970s, is nearing the end of its operational life. The proposed works aim to upgrade the heating and ventilation system, with an estimated budget of £0.957m.

The report recommends agreeing to a procurement process to source a contractor for these works. The funding for the project is expected to come from the Department for Education's School Condition Programme (£0.605m) and a grant from the Salix Phase 4 Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (£0.352m). This initiative aligns with Newham's Just Transition Plan 2023 which seeks to reduce carbon emissions and improve the efficiency of council buildings, including schools. The project also supports the council's Corporate Plan 2022-2026 by investing in children and young people.

The proposed procurement process would involve inviting six contractors to tender via the Oracle fusion Request for Quotes (RFQ) Portal. The evaluation criteria are set to be 60% price, 30% quality, and 10% social value. Following the tender evaluation, a further report would be submitted to seek permission to enter into a contract with the successful bidder.

The report also outlines that the Council has the power to procure such works under Section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972 and the general power of competence under Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011. The value of the contract falls below the threshold for the full Procurement Act 2023 regime. The Council's Contract Standing Orders require construction contracts of this value to be tendered via Constructionline, inviting a minimum of five tenderers.

The report also considers the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010, ensuring that the works would not negatively impact individuals with protected characteristics. The report states that the proposed refurbishment works would encourage families and children to use the school facilities more, and the inclusion of a basketball court and clinical room would enhance the building's utility.

The decision-maker for this matter is Laura Eden, Corporate Director of Children's and Young People's Services. The report was prepared in consultation with the Corporate Director of Inclusive Economy and Housing. The decision, once made, would not be implemented until the sixth working day following its publication to allow for any call-in requests.