(KEY DECISION)

Report No.112/2019

Report No.112/219 was received from the Strategic Director for Places.  Mr G Brown, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning, Environment, Property and Finance introduced the report the purpose of which was to allow the Head of Property Services to move forward and obtain competitive tenders for the works outlined in the report, so that figures reported to Cabinet were actual project costs, rather than estimates.

During discussion the following points were noted:

·         The Council had not kept up with the required maintenance work for many of its properties and as such the work now needed was quite extensive.

·         Some of the works would require technical input; for example the boilers at Catmose had been replaced but there was no zoning or individual control so the heating system was currently not fit for a modern workplace.

·         Councillor Stephenson confirmed that the work undertaken would dovetail with any other strategic work planned.

·         The ward members for Ketton, Mrs K Payne and Mr G Brown, would monitor the progress regarding works at Ketton Library.

·         Councillor Wilby felt that the community issues section of the report should have made reference to the health and safety aspect of work undertaken and Councillor Brown acknowledged this.

DECISIONS

Cabinet:

1.    AUTHORISED the Head of Property Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Environment, Property and Finance to appoint appropriate professional support through the agreed revenue budget 2019/20 to fully develop the programme and scope of works, to ensure the costs are robust.

2.    AUTHORISED the Head of Property Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Environment, Property and Finance to develop award criteria, issue tender documentation and receive bids from potential contractors for the works identified in this report.

3.    AUTHORISED the Head of Property Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Environment, Property and Finance to alter the timing and scope of the projects ensuring ‘best value’ for Rutland County Council.

4.    NOTED that a series of reports will be provided to Cabinet seeking the release of project funds and approval to appoint contractors.

Reasons for the decisions:

Early release of funding to support the development of project programme with realistic costs that will support submission of a future report to Cabinet, seeking the release of funds and award of contract