Issue - meetings

The report by the Head of Property & Housing seeks permission to go out to tender and appoint a contractor to undertake planned maintenance works to 7 blocks of flats in the Portsea area of Portsmouth.  The works are required to ensure the integrity of the buildings, reduce their on-going maintenance and improve the living environment for residents.

RECOMMENDED:

(1)  That approval be given to tender the works based on a budget estimate of £1.65 million, inclusive of fees.

(2)  That following a full tender evaluation authority to enter into contract with the preferred bidder is delegated to the Director of Property and Housing.

(1)  Approval was given to tender the works based on a budget estimate of £1.65 million, inclusive of fees.

(2)  That following a full tender evaluation authority to enter into contract with the preferred bidder be delegated to the Director of Property and Housing.

Steve Groves, Asset Manager presented the report on behalf of the Head of Property and Housing.  It represented a £1.65 million investment in seven blocks of flats in the Portsea area affecting 108 properties.  This was mainly replacing the roofs where extensive repairs were identified.  The opportunity has been taken to install a photo voltaic (PV) panels to the roofs.  The scheme was therefore one of maintenance whilst also providing an income stream to the Housing Revenue account.

Questions were raised included by Mr Blackwood of the Resident's Association Consortium regarding the cost to leaseholders and it was confirmed that they would not be paying towards the PV panels but towards the roofing work.  Councillor Potter asked regarding the PV usage and it was confirmed that this would give free electricity in the communal areas that would be beneficial to the whole HRA with a pay-back over three years and it was estimated that this could generate an income of approximately £932,000 over 20 years. 

Councillor Wemyss welcomed the new opposition spokespersons Councillors Matthew Winnington and Yahiya Chowdhury to the meeting. Councillor Chowdhury asked questions regarding tendering for works and the guarantee of items.  It was confirmed that there is a defect liability for a period of one year and the manufacturers have guarantees and it was anticipated that the pitched roof life would be approximately 60 years.  Councillor Winnington welcomed the works, the use of the solar panels which he commended.  Councillor Wemyss welcomed the report which combined maintenance works with an income generation opportunity.

DECISIONS:

(1)  Approval was given to tender the works based on a budget estimate of £1.65 million, inclusive of fees.

(2)  That following a full tender evaluation authority to enter into contract with the preferred bidder be delegated to the Director of Property and Housing.