Agenda item

The Director of Housing submits a report outlining the findings of a review of cleaning and associated charges for communal areas in council-owned sheltered housing and flatted accommodation.

The Head of Service presented a report summarising the findings from the review of cleaning and associated charges for communal areas in council-owned accommodation, and the improvements to the service. It was noted that:

·       Not every communal area was normally cleaned, because following the initial consultation with tenants when the service was first set up, some opted out to avoid additional charges.

·       The need for this review arose after the New Parks enquiry on the level of cleaning. The service identified that the level of cleaning needed to be enhanced to meet the changing service needs.

·       A review of the service had not been carried out since its introduction and the level of service had not been formally assessed.

·       The tenancy satisfaction measure for satisfaction with communal areas was 49% and had increased to 70% this year as a result of the enhanced cleaning that took place.

·       The council cleaned over 50 sites, and 550 properties were charged for communal cleaning.

·       The review had led to enhanced cleaning at the Burns Flat, and this standard was now being rolled out across the city.

·       It was discovered that in sheltered housing the service was not charging tenants the full cost of cleaning.

·       The Service used the opportunity of review to see if flats that had previously opted out were interested in opting back in, because the Council was still having to carry out intensive cleaning in those communal areas, funded through the HRA.

·       Formal monitoring arrangements were now in place with the Housing and Cleaning staff who meet regularly on the estate to ensure standards were being maintained.

·       The Service was engaging with tenants to get their feedback so that issues could be picked up on quickly and brought to monitoring meetings.

·       An annual review would take place to ensure services aligned with charges.

·       A special project was planned for an in-depth review of all sheltered housing charges and the service provided. 

In response to questions and comments, it was noted that:

·       Sheltered housing units were cleaned every weekday, while other blocks were cleaned once or twice a week.

·       Maintenance charges were calculated based on time and frequency, and areas that needed to be cleaned.

·       The council ensured transparency through listing the charges payable on the rent invoices that went out to tenants.

·       In relation to how the charges could be minimised in view of the cost-of-living situation, it was noted that this was normally considered within the HRA budget report on an annual basis, and tenants were engaged with for ways to support. However, it was emphasised that the rising inflation and increase in wages had to be considered.

·       It was recommended that formal tenant engagement in big blocks around the city should be carried out to ensure the residents were getting value for money. This should also be considered through the Tenant Scrutiny panel, since the issues can be specific to the areas they live in.

AGREED:

1.     That the report be noted.

2.       That comments made by members of this commission to be taken into account.

3.     A feedback to be provided to the Commission on how the Council benchmarks maintenance charges against other Local Authorities or Housing Providers

4.     Other maintenance charges to be brought to future meetings.