The Cabinet of Greenwich Council met on Wednesday 16 October 2024 to discuss the disposal of council assets, review housing safety compliance, and consider contract variations. Key decisions included the approval of the disposal of several council properties, noting significant improvements in housing safety and compliance, and approving contract standing order exemptions and variations.

Asset Review Initial Outcomes

The Cabinet approved the freehold or long leasehold disposal of properties identified as part of a wider asset review. This review aims to optimise the council's property portfolio, generate savings, and create future revenues to support the council's midterm financial strategy. The decision to dispose of these assets was made in consideration of the current financial and economic situations, with the aim of ensuring that poorly performing assets are identified and appropriate recommendations are made.

Councillor Majid Rahman, Cabinet Member for Planning, Estate Renewal and Development, highlighted that the review was conducted with the assistance of an outside consultant to ensure thorough consideration of the sites. The principles guiding the review included maximising revenue, ensuring assets do not adversely impact service delivery, not restricting future regeneration ambitions, and ensuring disposals are realistic and deliverable.

The report detailed several properties recommended for disposal, including:

• White Hart Road Depot in Plumstead & Glyndon, a former power station site.
• 61 King George Street in Greenwich Park, a former school caretaker's building.
• Abery Street Car Park in Plumstead & Glyndon, a small car park with limited income.
• Charlton Village Car Park in Charlton Village & Riverside, which has experienced vandalism and low usage.
• Old Dover Road Car Park in Blackheath Westcombe, another underutilised car park.
• Eltham Tramsheds in Eltham Town & Avery Hill, comprising public conveniences and a former tramshed in poor condition.
• Knee Hill Public Toilet Block in Abbey Wood, a former public convenience.
• Thistlebrook Industrial Estate in Abbey Wood, comprising warehouse units.
• Rodmere Street Public Convenience in East Greenwich, a former public convenience in poor condition.
• Mortuary & Coroner's Office in Greenwich Park, which is proposed to be relocated.

During the discussion, Carol Keener from the Charlton Society raised concerns about the Charlton Village Car Park, stating that it is well-used by visitors to the Assembly Rooms, particularly those with learning difficulties, and that the area is a conservation area. She argued that the car park is integral to the financial plans for making Charlton House viable. Officers clarified that the car parks are owned by the council and not the Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust, and that while the disposal is for land assets, any future redevelopment would be subject to planning regulations where listed building status and historical context would be material considerations.

Councillor Ann-Marie Cousins emphasised the importance of consulting with local councillors and groups impacted by any decisions. Councillor Adel Khaireh and Councillor Mariam Lolavar both spoke in support of the report, acknowledging the council's financial challenges and the necessity of making tough decisions to protect frontline services. Councillor Lolavar noted that the lettings and sales would help plug budget gaps and prevent further cuts to services.

The Cabinet agreed to delegate the disposal process to the Director of Regeneration, Enterprise and Skills, noting that terms of disposal would be agreed in accordance with the Council's Constitution.

Annual Housing Compliance Report 2024

The Cabinet noted the progress made in improving housing safety and compliance across the big six areas, as well as updates on damp and mould within council homes. This report is part of the council's assurance framework, providing an update on safety and legal compliance in the housing stock.

Significant improvements have been made in performance, with the council having self-referred to the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) in May 2022 for breaches of safety compliance requirements. The report indicates that the RSH has not pursued a request for a Voluntary Undertaking with the Royal Borough of Greenwich, signifying confidence in the progress made.

Key areas of focus include:

• Fire Safety: All residential buildings have a Fire Risk Assessment (FRA), and work is underway to address overdue actions. A third contractor has been added to deliver fire protection works, and a Tier One Contractor is being appointed for a £10 million programme of fire protection works.
• Electrical Safety: Progress has been made in the fixed electrical testing programme, with a rate of completion exceeding the number of certificates falling overdue. Planning is underway to smooth the long-term programme to mitigate financial and logistical impacts.
• Asbestos: All communal areas now have an up-to-date asbestos survey, and all overdue high-risk asbestos actions have been dealt with. A new Asbestos Register has been implemented.
• Gas Safety: High levels of conformity continue for annual Landlord Gas Safety Records.
• Legionella/Water: The council remains 100% compliant with Legionella Risk Assessment requirements.
• Lifts: Performance has improved marginally due to close contract management.

The report also detailed actions being taken to tackle damp and mould, including a new dedicated team, a new triage process in the contact centre, and improved response times. For vulnerable residents, mould washes are completed within three working days, and for non-vulnerable residents, within 11 working days, with damp surveys also taking 11 working days.

The council is also working to comply with the Building Safety Act 2022, with 67 higher-risk buildings (HRBs) registered. Building Safety Cases are being prepared for each HRB, outlining how fire and structural safety matters are managed.

Councillor Ann-Marie Cousins congratulated the officers on their work, highlighting the bravery of the self-referral and the progress made. Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value, welcomed the damp and mould team and inquired about communication with residents and potential use of capital budgets. Officers explained that specialist works are often contracted out and that while considerable capital and revenue funds have been spent on compliance, the marketplace for these services is challenging.

Regarding communication, officers stated that channels remain open, and further engagement with residents in high-rise buildings is planned to discuss building safety cases.

The Cabinet noted the report and the actions being taken to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Contract Standing Orders - Exemptions / Variations (1 January 2024 to 30 June 2024)

The Cabinet noted the summary of waivers and variations to Contract Standing Orders for the period 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2024. These are granted for valid reasons when a formal competitive process is not feasible or appropriate.

A significant item noted was the direct award of a contract to Elite Landscapes Limited for £10,425,000 for the Woolwich Public Realm Works, including Powis Street and Beresford Square. This was due to the insolvency of the original prime contractor, with Elite Landscapes being a key subcontractor. This award has increased the budget by less than one percent and ensures the works are completed to timescale, meeting grant funding conditions.

Councillor Jackie Smith, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Business, Greenwich Supports and Environmental Services, echoed the comments on the Woolwich town centre works, highlighting the importance of keeping the project on time for businesses and residents who have experienced disruption. Councillor Majid Rahman also thanked the team for their efforts in resolving this situation.

The Cabinet agreed to note the summary of waivers and variations as presented in the report.