No bids received from contractors to take on crumbling concrete work

No bids received from contractors to take on crumbling concrete work

Plans to replace roof tiles built of crumbling concrete in council homes are unlikely to get underway until the new year. An initial marketing programme failed to attract bids from contractors for the almost £2m job to replace RAAC roofing panels. The work has been repackaged and has gone to open tender with a planned start date of January.

Around 90 council homes have been identified as having RAAC roofing panels in Bathgate, Linlithgow, and Broxburn. Homes in Livingston’s Craigshill, now managed by Almond Housing, also have RAAC panels.

Outlining capital spending plans to the last meeting of West Lothian Council’s Executive, Marjory Mackie, the Housing Strategy and Development Manager, told the meeting there had been slippage of £1.78 million. Her report added this was “as a result of the requirement to re-tender the planned works due to insufficient market interest.”

The report said: “This programme of work has been reviewed and is currently in the process of going back out to tender with an anticipated start on-site in January 2025. Monitoring work will continue to ensure the ongoing safety of tenants.”

SNP councillor Pauline Orr asked about the lack of bids, questioning if it was due to the complexity of the work, the size of the projects, or a lack of skilled contractors. Mackie explained that a combination of factors led to the lack of interest, including the work’s complexity. She mentioned efforts to make the work more manageable and reaching out to suppliers in advance to provide full information around the tender.

Depute leader of the SNP group, Pauline Stafford, inquired about any financial implications in the retendering process, to which Mackie responded that she did not expect any financial issues. She reassured that the work, involving removing RAAC panels and replacing roofing, is not complex, and going to the open market will ensure best value.

A West Lothian Council spokesperson stated that they aim to have their RAAC Remediation Programme ready to start in January 2025. Following a lack of bids from contractors, revised tenders were issued after an engagement event with potential contractors, and the council hopes to appoint a contractor soon.

Preparatory work has been carried out in the common blocks of properties in Broxburn to ensure safety and support the main works, including securing common areas, creating new access arrangements, removing asbestos, and completing essential remedial work. Housing officers have maintained regular communication with tenants to keep them informed.

In conclusion, despite initial challenges in attracting bids from contractors, efforts are being made to proceed with the crucial replacement of RAAC roofing panels in council homes. The importance of ensuring tenant safety and achieving best value for the project remains a priority for West Lothian Council.

**Insights and Summary:**
The difficulties faced in attracting bids for the crucial replacement of RAAC roofing panels in council homes highlight the challenges in infrastructure projects. It underscores the importance of effective tendering processes and proactive engagement with potential contractors to ensure the success of such initiatives. The commitment to tenant safety and transparent communication with stakeholders are crucial aspects of such projects, demonstrating a dedication to delivering quality public services. By addressing the issues encountered and re-evaluating the approach, there is a determination to overcome obstacles and move forward with essential works for the benefit of the community.