Agenda item

There was one late question to the leader from Councillor Nick Johnson, the written response to which was circulated by email before the meeting.  There was one supplemental question.

There were 18 members’ questions, the written responses to which were circulated by email before the meeting.  There were nine supplemental questions.  Due to an administrative error, Councillor William Houngbo did not have time to present his supplemental question.  The question and cabient member response is set out below:

QUESTION TO THE CABINET MEMBER FOR HOUSING FROM

COUNCILLOR WILLIAM HOUNGBO

Why does the cost of scaffolding exceed by 300% the cost of the intended works requiring it, without justification?

RESPONSE

Outside of any planned major works programme we operate a responsive and reactive maintenance service and only carry out repairs where issues have been reported and are essential. Due to the height of Devon Mansion buildings it is not possible to undertake roofing inspections and or repairs without the use of scaffolds. The cost of the scaffold is determined by the height, width and amount of boarded platforms required to reach the area of concern, however a pavement licence may also be required should the scaffold need to be erected on a public footway.

A section 20 notice is served based on the costs incurred and depending on the levels of works identified upon erection of the scaffolding an additional works pro forma is served to inform residents of the increase to the repairing cost. In many instances the cost of the scaffold required will be higher than the level of works required to resolve ongoing repair issues.

Section 20 notices have been served under the below works orders within the last 12 months at Devon Mansions.

455-475 Devon Mansions – cost of scaffold £3652, cost of works £385

387-405 Devon Mansions – cost of scaffold £5661, cost of works £2200

455-475 Devon Mansions – cost of scaffold £5590, cost of works £357

476-489 Devon Mansions – cost of scaffold £3379, works in progress

15-28 Devon Mansions – cost of scaffold £2528, cost of works £935

There is now a major works contract currently on site. Additional fire safety works have been identified which will utilise the scaffolding and these are currently being priced.