Agenda item

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services which provided an update on progress made in relation to fire safety matters since the last update report submitted to Committee in December 2020.

During the discussion and questions the following points were noted:

1. There had been some delays to the fire risk assessment due to Covid, but Turner Townsend had been appointed following a corporate procurement exercise, and a new fire officer had been appointed to the department.
2. Arup’s brief had been circulated to the BRC and would also be shared with the RCC.   The Arup survey was progressing, and the Chairman agreed to work with the Assistant Director in order to agree an appropriate audience to receive their findings. 
3. The award of tender for Frobisher Crescent was expected next week, and the successful contractor would be required to develop a robust communications protocol.  The Assistant Director met regularly with the Art Centre in respect of fire safety.
4. All the works would comply with the new Fire Safety Bill, noting there is no ACM cladding on the Barbican Estate.   The Assistant Director was working on a joint report with the Remembrancer in respect of the implementation of the new Bill, which would be presented to the relevant Committees.  
5. The Member/Officer Fire Safety Working Group had been set up about 18 months ago.  The Membership included the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the BRC, together with a couple of other BRC Members. The Chairman (of the BRC) agreed to share the last set of minutes and membership details, for circulation with the minutes of this meeting.
6. Residents would only pay for the signage used and would not be liable for any abortive costs. 

RESOLVED, that – the report be noted.