Agenda item

Christine Short, Head of Capital Programming, made a presentation to the Committee on the large fire at Rollit House and the reinstatement works underway.

The following main points were noted in the discussion:

·         The Committee considered the scale and context of the fire, reviewing images, plans, and the challenges associated with major reinstatement works.

·         It was noted that there was no loss of life due to the actions of one resident who quickly alerted her neighbours to the fire. The Committee commented that the actions of the resident should be formally recognised in some way.

·         Rollit House was compliant with building regulations at the time it was constructed and additional fire safety measures were due to be installed two weeks after the fire occurred.

·         The Committee considered the logistical challenges associated with rehousing an entire block of residents and securing their possessions at short notice.

·         The Committee noted the meetings held with and communications sent to residents. Engaging residents in the reinstatement works was essential.

·         It was decided to reinstate rather than demolish the building as Rollit House was still structurally intact.

·         Challenges associated with the reinstatement works included carrying out surveys, clearing damaged furniture and fittings, the removal of asbestos, the relaying of the gas supply, assessing and rectifying water damage, and amending the layout of properties to ensure they were consistent with the latest fire regulations.

·         It was reported that the council was working closely with its insurer to ensure that the cost of the reinstatement works would be covered. The council self-insured to the value of £1million and costs above this level were due to be met by the insurer. Leaseholders were required to make a contribution in the region of a few hundred pounds.

·         A significant procurement exercise had been conducted to appoint a single contractor to carry out all of the reinstatement works. It was commented that the council had the expertise to produce its own technical documents to support the procurement process, whereas other authorities would likely have to buy in this service. A contractor had been appointed and works were due to finish by October 2016. The contract required working to strict deadlines otherwise the contractor was liable for any additional costs.

·         It was advised that the fire appeared to be accidental and the likely cause was unattended candles.

·         The Committee queried the council’s emergency response processes. It was commented that emergency plans were in place and in the event of a fire such as that at Rollit House residents were booked into hotels and provided with a small amount of money if necessary.

·         It was queried if the council would analyse the payments made against insurance claims. It was reported that such tasks would be the responsibility of the council’s insurance team. The council re-tendered its insurances every few years to ensure value for money.

·         The council did not have existing floor plans for all of its properties and no existing plans were held for Rollit House. It was noted that plans were held for larger properties, such as tower blocks, and these had been passed on to the London Fire Brigade.

·         It was suggested that the specifications of new fixtures and fittings and other detailed information be recorded on the council’s databases to assist with future repair and capital works.

·         It was noted that the council was risk assessing similar buildings and those which required fire safety improvements would be brought forward in the capital programme.

·         Following a question from Dr Brian Potter of the Islington Leaseholders Association, it was advised that the procurement of the reinstatement contractor was below the threshold of European public procurement regulations. The procurement exercise was a one stage tender process and ten full submissions had been received. It was noted that there were likely to be confidentiality clauses in the contract.

The Committee thanked Christine Short for her attendance.

RESOLVED:
That consideration be given to honouring the resident who alerted other residents to the fire.