Issue - meetings

[Report of the Director for Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal.]

This report relates to the ongoing works to install a new modern District Heating system on Broadwater Farm. This report seeks to extend the existing contract to allow for additional works to be completed

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced this report which sought approval for additional funding for variations to the Broadwater Farm District Heating contract which was approved by Cabinet on 14 August 2018.

The Cabinet Member noted that since the health and safety issues at Broadwater Farm became known, the Council had taken action to manage the risks and ensure the safety of residents. This included the replacement of all gas cookers, estate wide door knocking and engagement, the fitting of gas interrupter valves and the decant of two blocks. This report related to the ongoing works to install a new modern District Heating system on the estate. Since the inception of the project, officers had identified a number of enhancements to the programme to improve outcomes for residents and the quality of the upgraded heating system. These are detailed at paragraph 6.7. This report sought to extend the existing contract to allow for these additional works to be completed.

In response to questions from Cllr Connor, the following information was provided:

• The decant of Northolt block had started but completion would not be according to the same level of urgency as Tangmere.This was due to there being no piped gas in this block
• Disruption to residents was acknowledged by the Cabinet Member. This was further acknowledged to be a really challenging time for residents in Broadwater Farm with different works taking place at the same time. The Council were regularly exchanging information with residents and making sure information was available on the works and their impact. Ultimately, the Council had to ensure all the tenants were living in safe homes. There was a need to be realistic with residents about the scale and timing of the works. In particular the enhancing works being completed on the heating systems was to ensure that additional works were not needed in 10 years’ time.
• In relation to thedecant at Tangmere Block, the latest information indicated that there were 12 leaseholder remaining. Homes for Haringey had agreed terms for moving 6 of the leaseholders. It was expected to agree terms with the remaining 6 leaseholders.
• Thedecant of Northolt Block had a longer timescale .This had started with 53 of 83 tenants moved or moving. There were 14 leaseholders, and Homes for Haringey had agreed terms with 1 leaseholder .It was noted that Homes for Haringey staff would be referring to the experience of Tangmere leaseholder decant and were confident of making acceptable housing offers to the remaining 13 leaseholders.
• Officers outlined that the new heating supply also provided an opportune time to replace some needed bathrooms and kitchens in Broadwater Farm. It was noted that 260 out of 830 tenants would have brand new kitchens or bathrooms or both by February 2020. The other works concerning the district heating system were due to complete in November. A further piece of work being included with the heating works, were changes to the cold water supply so that there was a single cold-water  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39