Contractors
Dangerous structure contractors
are selected by competitive tender.
The nominated contractor acts for the council in
matters relating to dangerous structures for the period of the
contract - usually 2 years.
All staff who attends reported dangerous structures have a list of
contact numbers for the nominated contractor and can call them out
if necessary.
The council's contract requires the nominated contractor to attend
the site within one hour of the request. The council initially pays
the contractor's costs, which are based on agreed rates within the
contract.
Charges for the work
The owner of the dangerous structure will subsequently be recharged
by invoice for the councils costs in attending and dealing with the
dangerous structure - this includes the contractor's costs.
Because the contractor is required to have personnel, equipment and
material available at very short notice, 24 hours a day, every day
of the year, their costs are relatively high (this is despite them
typically being the cheapest tender). Therefore, where possible,
owners are offered the opportunity to make their own arrangements
to have the danger made safe.