Agenda item

The Leader considered the report which sought approval for fire re-instatement works. It was noted that the works proposed to Firs House for the sum of £999,623 would bring the roof structure, communal areas and fourteen flats in the west wing of the building, that were damaged following a fire incident in April 2020, to a habitable standard and would allow the residents who were decanted at the time of the fire to return to their homes. The works would ensure that the flats were compliant with current fire and building regulations.

It was also noted that the report requested approval for the issue of a letter of intent to the preferred contractor for an amount up to, but not exceeding, £99,623 which represented 10% of the contract sum. The report further recommended the approval of the professional fees of £85,880 which represented 8.6% of the contract sum. It was also noted that the costs of these works would be recharged under insurance policies.

Following consideration of the exempt information,

The Leader RESOLVED

1.    Pursuant to the Council’s Contract Standing Order (CSO) 16.02, to approve the award of a contract to the preferred contractor identified in exempt Appendix A for the replacement of the main roof structure. The works include new flat roof covering to the communal staircase area, rainwater good, fascia boards and soffits, external brickwork and concrete repairs, external decoration and replacement of fire damaged windows. The work to fourteen flats includes the replacement of FD30S flat entrance doors, plastering, rewiring, new internal doors and joinery, kitchens, bathrooms, boilers and plumbing works, internal decorations and floor coverings. The roof structure to the east wing of the block was not damaged by the fire. However compartmentation works will be carried out to protect the integrity of the roof and will ensure that it meets current building regulations. This will be for the sum of £999,623.

2.    To approve the issue of a letter of intent for an amount of up to, but not exceeding £99,962, which represents 10% of the contract sum.

3.    To approve the total professional fees of £85,880 which represents 8.6% of the contract sum.

4.    To note the total project costs of £1,085,503.

5.    To waive the costs to leaseholders for the compartmentation works due to the nature and urgency of the works.

6.    To note that the fire reinstatement works scheme for the main structure, communal areas and tenanted flats will be fully funded by the Council’s Building Insurance.

7.    To note that the internal works to Leaseholder’s flats will be funded by Ocaso under their Buildings Insurance Policy.

Reasons for decision

Homes for Haringey requires the Cabinet Member’s approval to award the contract for the rebuild of the main roof structure including fire compartmentation works to the entire roof, new flat roof covering to the communal staircase area, rainwater goods, fascia boards and soffits, external brickwork and concrete repairs, external decoration and replacement of windows damaged by the fire. Replacement of FD30’s flat entrance doors, plastering works, rewiring, new internal doors and joinery, kitchens, bathrooms, boilers and plumbing works, internal decoration and floor coverings. The contract which the report relates to has been procured through the Council’s Dynamic Purchasing System.

Alternative options considered

An alternative option was sought for Homes for Haringey to use the London Construction Programme Framework (LCP Framework) to deliver the fire reinstatement works for Firs House. Homes for Haringey sought support and advice from Haringey Strategic Procurement who determined that the LCP Framework was not appropriate as the lots within the framework did not have a suitable band for the estimated value of these works.

A do-nothing option would mean that the Council would not be able to carry out the reinstatement works and the residents who have been decanted would be unable to return to their homes. Considerations for the residents’ wellbeing have also been highlighted due to being in temporary accommodation during the current global pandemic.