Issue - meetings

(Report of the Director of Adult and Housing Services): To set out a programme of works to continue the upgrade of existing communal aerial systems across the Borough with a digital communal aerial system to comply with the switchover from analogue to digital services.

The Appendix to the interleaved report was the subject of a motion to exclude the press and public from the meeting as it contained exempt information relating to the business or financial affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information).

The Committee considered a report seeking approval for the award of contract for the digital communal aerial systems upgrade programme under the framework agreements approved by the Committee in October 2009. Upgrade of the existing analogue systems was required before the April 2012 deadline for digital switchover and would be funded from the Major Repairs Allowance of the capital programme. The programme would also allow removal of individual satellite dishes installed to blocks which would become surplus to requirement.

It was noted that the existing aerial system would be replaced with one of two Integrated Reception System options consulted on with residents between June and December 2012. The price differential between the two options equated to £50 per unit thereby precluding a blanket approach across the borough despite the relatively low level of responses to the consultation. It was advised that residents would have a two week period following the issuing of Preferred Option Notices within which to seek any clarification required with the Council. Members requested that the wording of the notice be revisited to ensure that this provision was explicitly set out.

RESOLVED

That approval be granted to award the contract for the digital communal aerial systems upgrade programme to SCC International Ltd as allowed under Contract Standing Order CSO 11.03.

That the total anticipated cost excluding fees of £1,270,466 as detailed in the interleaved report be noted.