The Head of Housing Services explained that the Council had placed a variation order with its contractor to remove and replace the aluminium composite material (ACM) rain screen installed on parts of the two tower blocks in Blackbird Leys.  The contractor had initially proposed a non-combustible ACM product as a replacement but to provide maximum reassurance to residents the Council had requested a non-ACM aluminium rain screen.  This would require the fittings installed on the blocks to be changed but the £150k cost of doing this could be absorbed within the existing budget.  It would also extend the timescale for replacement by a couple of months to July 2018.  The resident reference group had been advised and was supportive of this decision.  The Council was confident that it was taking a sound decision that went over and above the Council’s obligations.

A leaseholder addressed the Panel and expressed concern about the risk of arson or a terrorist attack on one or more of the Council’s tower blocks.  The Head of Housing Services responded that the blocks were secure and contained no unacceptable fire risks that would exacerbate damage or harm in the event of a major incident.