Issue - meetings

[Report of the Director of Children's Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Early  Years, Children and Families]

The project is due to commence in summer 2021 and some of the work will be subject to Central Government funding (Salix). The works primarily involve improvements to the school's building services and building fabric to improve energy efficiency. Part of the works need to be completed by 30.09.21 to avoid disruption to the school and qualify for payment of the Salix grant.

The Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children and Families introduced the report which sought approval for the award of a contract to Mulalley & Co to carry out Building Services Improvement and External Envelope Phase 1 works at Stroud Green Primary School. This was the beginning of an extensive capital programme within Haringey schools and included roof repairs, windows and Health & Safety of all buildings. The scheme would be part funded by an allocation from the public sector decarbonisation programme, a government initiative sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and administered by Salix.

Clerk’s note: The Cabinet Member introduced agenda items 15-18 together. The questions from other Members relate to all four items but are detailed here:

The Cabinet Member and David Moore – Head of Major Projects – responded to questions from the Committee:

-           The programme was high risk in relation to delivery, and it was important to mobilise contracts as soon as was possible. The works were due to take place during the summer holidays in order to minimise the risk of school closures.

-           Any delays would be reported to Salix so as not to risk funding. It was worth noting that all Local Authorities would likely be reporting similar risks or delays.

-           There were three further schools to be included and these decisions would be carried out by Cabinet Member Signings.

-           The deadline was tight for completion. There was no penalty clause for contractors if the programme overrun, however compensation could be sought if required.

Further to considering exempt information at item 28,

RESOLVED

1.         To approve an award of contract to Mulalley & Co of £1,011,998.

2.         To approve a client construction contingency of 10% that equates to £101,200 which will be strictly managed under change control governance arrangements.

3.         To approve the issuance of a letter of intent for up to 10% of the contract value, totalling £101,200.

Reasons for decision

A major review of the condition and suitability of the Children’s Services estate has been undertaken which has informed the Children’s Service’s asset management plan (CSAMP). This identified condition and suitability deficiencies in the primary, secondary, and wider Children’s Service estate that need addressing in the short, medium, and long-term. Stroud Green Primary School is high priority for major works due to issues relating to safeguarding and school closure risks.

In 2018 an initial brief was given to undertake the most immediate (short term) health and safety, compliance, and resilience work. These findings included fire compartmentation, fire doors and cold-water system replacement and were subject to a separate award under delegated powers.

In 2019 a further commission was given to further investigate and address urgent works relating to the condition of building services (i.e., heating), external envelope (i.e., roofs, windows) and boundary security.

The scheme has been granted an allocation of funding £0.129m from the public sector decarbonisation programme, a government initiative sponsored by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and administered by Salix (Salix works). The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 530