Agenda and minutes

The Forum received the report of the ALMO Project Director which responded to issues raised by Eastcote Lane Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (ELTRA) in regard to consultation on installation of replacement windows on the Eastcote Lane Estate.

Officers introduced the report and commented that it covered both the technical background of the replacement windows and tenant consultation on the windows.  Officers commented that there appeared to be three issues with the window replacement; specification, standards/workmanship and consultation.

In response to a question from a Member, officers explained that the scheme was originally due to begin in April, but the tenders were eventually not received until August as the job was expanded.  There had previously been an assortment of replacement windows installed in Harrow, so officers had the opportunity to assess what had worked best.  A lot of work had been put into the specifications, which were forward thinking and designed to push forward partnership working.  In response to further questions from Members, officers confirmed that there had been a six week period for statutory consultation with leaseholders.  Officers added that it had not been policy or practice to consult with tenants during this period, but there was no reason this could not be done in future.

Officers explained to the meeting that the Clerk of Works would visit the site of a contract each day.  He would ensure that contractors were complying with Health and Safety regulations and would inspect quality of finished work.  Each week the Clerk would submit a report on each site.  Officers explained that it was not possible for the Clerk to monitor all of a site as they just checked finished jobs.  It was expected that contractors would act as their own quality control.  In response to further questions, officers explained that the Clerk was not responsible for consulting tenants, and the normal route for any complaint about the standard of work from tenants would come via the Tenant Participation Officer.

Officers confirmed that contractors were responsible for any repairs required.  The time taken to complete these repairs depended on the degree and type of damage.  It was hoped that contractors would make repairs to properties as they went on.  In response to a question from a Member regarding repairs to rendering, officers commented that it could take up to two weeks, not including any delays potentially caused by rain.  A resident commented that she had windows installed in early December, but the cementing was not completed until mid-January.

Officers confirmed that a detailed survey of each property was not carried out, but that the contractor should visit each property before commencing work.

A Member of the Forum commented that residents appeared unhappy that the new windows did not have fanlights and enquired how this had happened when the Council had a policy of replacing like for like.  Officers explained that two tenders had been run, one for windows with fanlights and one without.  The result had been that windows with fanlights were far more  ...  view the full minutes text for item

To note the attendance at this meeting of any duly appointed Reserve Members.

RESOLVED:  To note the attendance at this meeting of the following duly appointed Reserve Members:-

To receive declarations of interest (if any) from Members of the Forum arising from business to be transacted at this meeting.

RESOLVED:  To note that no declaration of interests were made.

To consider whether any of the items listed on the agenda should be considered with the press and public excluded on the grounds that it is thought likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that there would be disclosure of confidential information in breach of an obligation of confidence or of exempt information as defined in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

RESOLVED:  That all items be considered with the press and public present.

That the signing of the minutes of the meeting held on the 8 January 2004 be deferred until the next ordinary meeting of the Forum.

RESOLVED:  That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 January 2004 be deferred until the next ordinary meeting.

Report of the ALMO Project Director

(See Recommendation 1).

In accordance with the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 12 (Part 4E of the Constitution) it was

RESOLVED:  That (1) at 10:00 pm the meeting be extended until 10:30 pm;

(2)  at 10:30 pm the meeting be extended until 11:00 pm;

(3)  at 10:45 pm the meeting be extended until 11:15 pm.