Issue - meetings

To consider a confidential report by Councillor David Smith, Lead Member for Public Realm (copy enclosed) seeking Cabinet approval for the appointment of the preferred contractor for construction works on the West Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme (Phase 3).

RESOLVED that Cabinet authorises –

(a)       the Head of Highways and Environmental Services to follow a contract negotiation process conducted pursuant to Contract Procedure Rule 24;

(b)       the Lead Member for Public Realm to lobby Welsh Government for additional financial support for the scheme to cover the shortfall in funding, and

(c)        the Lead Member for Public Realm, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, to award the contract to the most economically advantageous tender subject to the receipt of written confirmation of sufficient additional funding from Welsh Government to meet the renegotiated cost of the scheme to the satisfaction of the Section 151 Officer.

Councillor David Smith presented the confidential report regarding the appointment of a contractor for the construction works on the West Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme (Phase 3).

Cabinet was provided with details of the flood protection options together with the estimated contract value and grant aid available.  The outcome of the tendering process was provided and members were disappointed to note that tenders received far exceeded the estimated amount and therefore it was not possible to award the contract at this stage.  Cabinet confirmed their commitment to the scheme and considered the options available to them when considering the way forward, bearing in mind the timescales involved and availability of grant funding.  The Chief Executive asked for a detailed analysis of the reasons behind the cost increase in order to strengthen any case for additional financial support to cover the funding shortfall.  Following a detailed debate it was –

RESOLVED that Cabinet authorises –

(a)       the Head of Highways and Environmental Services to follow a contract negotiation process conducted pursuant to Contract Procedure Rule 24;

(b)       the Lead Member for Public Realm to lobby Welsh Government for additional financial support for the scheme to cover the shortfall in funding, and

(c)        the Lead Member for Public Realm, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer, to award the contract to the most economically advantageous tender subject to the receipt of written confirmation of sufficient additional funding from Welsh Government to meet the renegotiated cost of the scheme to the satisfaction of the Section 151 Officer.