Contact: Keith Woodward Ext: 7938

BLCP0703A Ref/Initials/23-Jul-03

Contact: Keith Woodward Ext: 7938

1. Introduction

The purpose of this report is to report on:

· The number and condition of temporary buildings

· The inspection strategy

· Planned removals

· The action and outcome in connection with the management of temporary buildings

2. Condition of Temporary Buildings

2.1 All temporary buildings are classified into one of four categories and may be summarised as follows:

2.2 From the table in 3.1 above it can be seen that the current number of buildings in the "poor" and "very poor" categories is 66.

3. Corporate Risk Assessment (CRA)

3.1 The Corporate Risk Assessment (CRA) for the built estate places Temporary Buildings in equal sixth position when compared to other risks. The level of risk is defined as "high" with departmental performance on the issue currently assessed at "amber". It is planned to improve performance to "green" by introducing changes in the inspection strategy as described in Section 5 below.

4. Inspection Strategy

4.1 Regular inspections are undertaken of temporary buildings, the period between inspection being determined by their previously recorded condition as follows:

4.2 Each generic type of temporary building has been categorised as high, medium, or low priority for replacement, taking account of their characteristic weakness and deterioration, as indicated in the table below:

4.3 Structural inspections have been carried out on all temporary buildings (excluding hired units and buildings under three years old). This has allowed the buildings to be individually prioritised by condition, taking account of generic weakness and deterioration of individual units.

4.4 A schedule of all temporary buildings by condition is given in Appendix A. Additional details of condition and proposed action to the medium and high priority buildings is given in Appendix B.

5. Replacement/Removal Strategy

5.1 At present 56 buildings are planned to be either replaced or removed and these may be summarised by category as follows:

* Low priority units are suitable for reuse.

6. Conclusions

6.1 The risk presented by the known areas of weakness and decay has been managed by regular inspection and strengthening when necessary. The rate of deterioration and decay has taken over as the main area of structural concern. Repair instructions have been issued for items of immediate concern. Defects that present a lower risk will be reviewed at the next annual inspection and repairs undertaken then, should they become necessary.

6.2 All Temporary buildings have been inspected which turns this issue "green" under the Corporate Risk Assessment performance criteria.

6.3 There are a significant number of schemes in design that will allow the removal of 25% of all remaining temporary buildings within the next 18 months. A further 10% may be removed as part of other initiatives during that period.

7. Recommendation

That the Buildings, Land and Contracts Panel advise the Executive Member for Policy and Resources that approval be given to the continued support from the Landlords budget for the replacement of temporary buildings, particularly those in poor and very poor condition.

Section 100D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background Papers:

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works.

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

File Location

None. BLCP0703A