Agenda item - Options for Future Delivery of Housing Repairs Planned Maintenance and Capital Works

Extracts from the Policy, Resources & Growth Committee meeting held on the 11^th October, and the Special Housing & New Homes Committee meeting held on the 26^th September, 2018 (copies attached).

Note:  The full report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhoods, Communities & Housing is available on the council’s website as a supporting document.

Report Referred for Information

33.39      Councillor Mears stated the report had been referred for information to ensure that all Members were aware of the decision taken at the Policy, Resources & Growth Committee.  The Labour and Green Groups had refused to refer the matter to full Council for decision and the decision taken at committee had implications for tenants.  The original contract had started well as outlined in the report to committee in 2010 but it had then been badly managed during 2011-2015.  She believed that unless the new contract had clear management responsibilities and control it would not provide for tenants expectations.

33.40      Councillor Gibson stated that the recommendations approved at committee brought the responsive repairs and empty homes programme in-house which had to be beneficial.  He stated that price was not the only factor that had to be considered, there was also a need to value the workforce and provide better security and conditions.  He believed that management control was crucial and having services in-house would avoid costly disputes and noted that the repairs contractor at Wealden at gone bust.  He also felt that the service could be improved by being in-house and that would see increased tenant satisfaction.  The right decision was taken at the committee meeting.

33.41      Councillor Yates stated that he wanted to thank everyone involved in bringing the report to the committee and the decision taken at the committee meeting.  It had given a level of certainty for tenants and he wanted to thank Councillor Meadows for all her hard work and direction to deliver the decision.  He noted that he had previously been a councillor for another authority which had a DSO and lost the repairs service, but fortunately it had been picked up by the in-house service and delivered.  He accepted that no service was perfect but with an in-house provision, the council can ensure that highest level of training and support could be provided.  He also hoped that all councillors had confidence in the decision-making of colleagues at committee.

33.42      The Mayor noted that the report had been referred for information and moved that it be noted.

33.43      RESOLVED: That the report be noted.