Agenda item

The Director of Housing submits a report that provides the Housing Scrutiny Commission with an update on the performance of the Division’s Repairs and Maintenance service, which includes the Voids and Gas functions.

Members of the Commission are recommended to note the report and pass any comments to the Director of Housing.

The Head of Service for the Repairs and Maintenance Service introduced the item and provided an overview of the report. It was noted that the Housing Online platform had over 8,000 people registered and accounted for over 12,000 repairs with progress being made with the online service and most of the service area returning to pre Covid levels.

It was further noted that there had been a 70% increase in reports and damp and condensation and that resources were being directed to address this area.

Gas and heating repairs numbers remained consistent with the previous year with 15,000 gas safety inspections carried out with the team on track to complete 100% compliance across all properties.

A summary of the improvement actions for 2022/23 were highlighted to the Commission.

As part of the discussions, it was noted that:

·         The figures for void properties quoted in the report were properties that were actively being worked on to accommodate tenants, there were additional properties that were vacant that were undergoing extensive repairs and were classified elsewhere

·         In response to the Chair’s query on the status of The Leys on the Beaumont Leys Ward, it was noted that the initial procurement of a builder had been unsuccessful, the building had now been cleared and the procurement process had begun with the aim to start work in summer 2023 and bring it back as part of the housing stock as soon as possible

·         Members of the Commission commended the Housing Team who continuously supported Members with queries around housing and repairs

·         Emergency Repairs could be reported online which were then categorised by the Customer Services Team

·         The team were commended for the use of technology utilised to carry out surveys for repairs

·         Members suggested that the process to occupy the ready to let properties could be improved further as there were often delays in the process

·         On-going work to get void properties back as soon as possible to avoid delays, some properties took longer to return to the market as the extent of work required during the void period

·         Members shared their support with Officers that were delivering on bringing back void properties to the stock, including tackling issues with asbestos, damp and mould as part of the process.

The Lead Executive Member for Housing noted that the Damp and Mould Strategy ensured that all our tenants were protected and that generating a better relationship with the Housing associations would allow for cross tenure of the strategy. Significant efforts had gone in before the tragic story that came out in the media and now more resources were being deployed to tackle the issue with damp and mould across the housing sector.

In further discussions, it was noted that tenants across the city were having difficulties with calling in to report issues and Members were getting reports of tenants preferring the face-to-face service. Members of the Commission suggested to have the Customer Services Centre open for longer, as this would be a benefit to the residents. it was noted that, although the customer service centre had limited opening hours, services were still available at other settings within the community and these were regularly assessed as to what was working and what could be improved.

AGREED:

1)    That the Director for Housing and the Housing Team be thanked for their ongoing efforts to bring back void properties

2)    That the report be noted, and

3)    That the option to re-establish customer services be considered