This report recommends allocating resources and awarding a contract to undertake works needed to address the structural integrity at Brewster House and Malting House, two Large Panel System blocks.

The Government advised further checks of the structural integrity of these buildings in 2018. As a result, consulting structural engineers Wilde Carter Clack conducted a comprehensive structural investigation and concluded that the blocks required intrusive structural strengthening. Therefore, the Mayor is recommended to:

1. Agree to the allocation of capital resources to fund the works and the services associated with delivering the works.

2. Agree to the award of the works contract via the Council’s Better Neighbourhoods Framework.

3. Agree to formally consult leaseholders and to recharge them for their portion of the cost of the works.

4. Agree options for recharging leaseholders for the cost of any temporary rehousing of dwelling occupants, their furniture and belongings, and for the reinstatement of the same upon the completion of the works.

5. Agree to officers exploring the possible voluntary buy back of leasehold properties in the two blocks.

6. Agree to the introduction of two additional borough wide payment options for leaseholders.

This matter was considered by the Mayor in Cabinet on 26 June 2019, where some aspects of the decision were deferred as explained in the decision notice http://democracy.towerhamlets.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?AIId=102046.