Decision details

Summary

Consideration was given to the award of contract for construction works to install Changing Places Facilities at Rayrigg Meadow, Millerground public conveniences. The aging public toilet block is currently owned by SLDC, and is leased to and managed by Windermere Town Council. The structure required complete refurbishment.

The proposal included the application of £25,000 grant funding from Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities for the Changing Places Scheme.

Decision

Resolved – That

(1)        the contract be awarded to the recommended bidder being the most economically advantageous tender as noted in Part II Appendix 1; and

(2)        the Director of Customer and Commercial Services in consultation with the Procurement Specialist and Legal, Governance and Democracy Lead Specialist (Monitoring Officer) enter into the appropriate contract and agreements on behalf of the Council with the successful bidder and the appropriate agreements/licences with the tenant and any under tenant of the Rayrigg Meadows public conveniences to facilitate the works.

Reason for Decision

The decision links to the Council Plan priority of a fairer South Lakeland – Culture and Wellbeing: improving health and reducing health inequalities.

The scheme includes a fully compliant Changing Places facility for disabled users, including addressing current access issues on site. Standard accessible toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably. These needs are met by “Changing Places” toilets which provide the right equipment, enough space and a safe and clean environment for disabled users.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Do nothing – not convert the public conveniences structure to a Changing Places Facility and return £25,000 funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. This is not recommended because the current facilities do not meet the needs of all disabled people. People with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis often need extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably. These needs are met by “Changing Places” toilets which provide the right equipment, enough space and a safe and clean environment for disabled users.

An alternative option is to award the contract to an alternative bidder or to undertake a further procurement exercise, this is not recommended because a preferred bidder has been identified as outlined in the Part II appendix.