Agenda item

[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 grant will be used to part fund the scheme thus reducing the amount of borrowing that the Council will need to undertake. The terms of the grant are that the relevant works need to be completed by the 30th of September 2021. If this date is missed, then there is a risk that the grant allocation will need to be repaid.

A scheme for Stroud Green Primary School has been developed into 2 phases in order to achieve the criteria for Public Sector Decarbonisation (Salix) grant funding, minimise disruption to the school by maximising access over the 2021 school summer holiday period, ensure resilience for heating and hot water and support a comprehensive phasing plan. This construction award report requests a decision on the procurement of a contractor to undertaken Phase 1 (heating distribution system upgrade, secondary glazing, loft insulation and new entrance and accessible toilet) works. All remaining works considered under Phase 2 will be the result of a further decision in September 2021.

Alternative options considered.

Do nothing option - a decision not to support this award of construction contract will result in the Councils failure to suitably maintain its education estate by undertaking essential condition improvements. This would increase the likelihood of reactive works which will create greater disruption and cost to the council and potentially result in the loss of education days. All of which would undoubtedly impact on the quality of teaching and learning.