On 24 March, following up on February’s meeting and in advance of GLERA’s April residents meeting, committee members met with Judith Finlay (Director of Children’s Services), Peta Caine (Assistant Director, Housing) Greg Wade (Head of Major Works) and Liam Gillespie (Head of Housing Management). Key discussion point below:
immediate health + safety concerns re windows
We are currently reconciling our lists between the Project Team and the Repairs Team, following which we will undertake a very high-level budget costing exercise, to determine how much may be needed for interim measures (meanwhile works). The funding will then have to be allocated following a decision report which the Major Works Team will be progressing. The aim is to be in a position to commence the works in June and throughout summer / early Autumn before the onset of the next winter.
The scope of these meanwhile works will be defined so as to be clear what is covered and the cost will not be recharged to Leaseholders.
ongoing costs arising from delay to crescent house programme
Survey data (excessive heat loss etc) is being reviewed and analysed and will be pulled together for a paper going to Committee in April. This has to be considered in the context of blocks on other estates within the housing portfolio.
winter measures
We are minded to re-introduce this scheme and we need to do some work on pricing to be included in the Golden Lane report that will be presented to committee in April. GLERA has offered to assist/advise on content.
HRB fact sheet
Date to be sent to residents tbc (now available on project website)
leaseholder buy back
We are making a case for extra funding for the Golden Lane works and we will include a line for buybacks as part of our funding ask; it will be subject to committee approval.
abatements
Crescent House: we are working on automatic refund / interest payments with the legal team and will then need to revert to finance once advice is received.
great arthur house refund
Leaseholders who paid the full or part of the amount charged annually for the refurbishment overpaid by a considerable amount after the legal settlement. GLERA’s understanding is that the money has been repaid but without interest. This will be looked into.
betterment versus repair
A leaseholder information letter has been sent out by post to leaseholders (see here)
communications
Unfortunately, there were some delays due to venue availability and annual leave of key personnel, but dates for Resident Consultation are now confirmed as 8 April for Crescent House and 1 May for the Wider Estate.
We will invite questions from residents in advance of the consultation events to help structure the Q&A sessions. All responses will be issued after the event.
A more coordinated communication strategy is being developed involving both the major Works Team (responsible for delivery of the Investment Programme) and the New Developments and Special Projects Team, which will be delivering the podium waterproofing works, Great Arthur House roof refurbishment and potentially also the Golden Lane Estate Leisure Centre refurbishment.
Within the next 6 months the Comms / Engagement and Governance Servicing contract will be reprocured with GLERA and residents’ involvement. The scope to be extended to cover all Golden Lane projects (differential funding sources will have to be managed carefully).
A senior member of staff has been appointed (to start later in April subject to onboarding) to work with the Assistant Director, Heads of Service – Repairs, New Build and Special Projects, Housing Management, Major Works, Members and GLERA initially to tighten up our operation on the Golden Lane Estate. Part of the role will include defining the scope and operation as it is likely to be rolled out in whole or part to other COL estates.
black raven court
There has been progress since our meeting in February and we are now looking at a late summer date for occupation, subject to completion of the fire escape works and registration with the Building Safety Regulator.
COLPAI
GLERA outlined the impact of pupil noise on neighbouring residents. Residents have carried out their own acoustic report. GLERA would like to know if the school is proposing any changes and request that this be done during the summer break.
Suggestions were also made that the planning conditions are not being adhered to. GLERA highlighted that access issues need to be resolved, as the school continues to use the Basterfield service road.
AOB
The GLERA AGM is on 19 June and CoL will confirm shortly which officers will be able to attend.
