Minute 209 (Agenda Item No. 11 refers)

Called-in by Councillors Cox and Davidson

The Committee considered Minute 209 of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 28 July 2020, which had been called in to the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee, together with a joint report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) setting out a programme of structural and improvement works required at the Balmoral tower blocks (Grampian, Brecon and Blackdown) and seeking agreement to utilise funding from the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for the works.

In response to questions of councillors with regard to similar works to be undertaken at other properties within the Borough, the Leader of the Council agreed to circulate details of any currently programmed fire safety and structural or improvement works at other high-rise tower blocks, to the Committee after the meeting.

Resolved:

That the following decisions and recommendations of the Cabinet be noted:

“1. That the programme of works to the Balmoral tower blocks, to include both structural and improvement works (structural insulation and heating upgrades), be

progressed.

2. That the Council and South Essex Homes undertake full consultation and engagement with affected residents.

Recommended:

Note: The decisions in 1 and 2 above constitute an Executive function. The decision in 3 above constitutes a Council function

Cabinet Member: Cllr I Gilbert

Report of Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) attached

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) setting out a programme of structural and improvement works required at the Balmoral Tower blocks (Grampian, Brecon and Blackdown) and to sought agreement to utilise HRA funds for these works.

Resolved:

1. That the programme of works to the Balmoral tower blocks, to include both structural and improvement works (structural insulation and heating upgrades), be progressed.

2. That the Council and South Essex Homes undertake full consultation and engagement with affected residents.

Recommended:

Other Options

1. Do nothing – This would not be appropriate as it would not meet the needs of tenants and leaseholders and would not be in line with achieving our 2050 outcomes nor the aims of the Housing, Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy; and

2. Only undertake structural works – This would not be appropriate as it would not meet the needs of our tenants and leaseholders and would not be in line with our 2050 Green City outcomes.

Reasons for Recommendations

1. To improve the structural integrity and energy efficiency of three of the Council’s tower blocks and also ensure that residents are fully engaged throughout this project.

2. In terms of the funding of this project, South Essex Homes have commissioned external professional Quantity Surveyors to produce the costs and associated budget requirements and the Council’s Finance team has confirmed the HRA Capital Reserves as the most appropriate method of funding these works.

Note: The decisions in 1 and 2 above constitute an Executive Function. The decision in 3 above constitutes a Council Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Chief Executive and Executive Director (Growth and Housing) setting out a programme of structural and improvement works required at the Balmoral Tower blocks (Grampian, Brecon and Blackdown) and to sought agreement to utilise HRA funds for these works.

Resolved:

1. That the programme of works to the Balmoral tower blocks, to include both structural and improvement works (structural insulation and heating upgrades), be progressed.

2. That the Council and South Essex Homes undertake full consultation and engagement with affected residents.

Recommended:

Other Options

1. Do nothing – This would not be appropriate as it would not meet the needs of tenants and leaseholders and would not be in line with achieving our 2050 outcomes nor the aims of the Housing, Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy; and

2. Only undertake structural works – This would not be appropriate as it would not meet the needs of our tenants and leaseholders and would not be in line with our 2050 Green City outcomes.

Reasons for Recommendations

1. To improve the structural integrity and energy efficiency of three of the Council’s tower blocks and also ensure that residents are fully engaged throughout this project.

2. In terms of the funding of this project, South Essex Homes have commissioned external professional Quantity Surveyors to produce the costs and associated budget requirements and the Council’s Finance team has confirmed the HRA Capital Reserves as the most appropriate method of funding these works.

Note: The decisions in 1 and 2 above constitute an Executive Function. The decision in 3 above constitutes a Council Function

Called in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert