Issue - meetings

To consider a new draft Responsive Repairs and Maintenance Policy, which will be subject to further consultation with tenants and leaseholders, ahead of a final version being presented for approval later in the year.

Cabinet was presented with a pre-consultation Responsive Repairs and Maintenance Policy. It was noted that this policy would be subject to further consultation with tenants and leaseholders ahead of a final version being presented to Cabinet for approval later in the year.

The Portfolio Holder thanked the Community Select Committee for their review of the Service.

Members noted the significant challenges for the Council particularly in relation to fencing repairs and the rise in material costs which resulted in added financial and operational pressures.  The importance of providing appropriate service for those tenants needing additional support and the Council being responsive to their needs was acknowledged.

It was RESOLVED:

1.               That the draft Responsive Repairs and Maintenance Policy, which will be subject to further tenant and leaseholder consultation, for no less than 6 weeks be approved.

2.               That the final Responsive Repairs and Maintenance Policy be presented to the Cabinet for approval in Quarter 3, 2024/25.

Cabinet was presented with a pre-consultation Responsive Repairs and Maintenance Policy. It was noted that this policy would be subject to further consultation with tenants and leaseholders ahead of a final version being presented to Cabinet for approval later in the year.

Officers advised that in response to tenant feedback and complaints in 2023 the Council had commissioned an external review of its Repairs and Maintenance service and that the Community Select Committee had also completed a scrutiny of the service.  The findings of the Review had been incorporated within an improvement plan which was being implemented.  This included the need to have a Repairs and Maintenance Policy, which set out clear roles and responsibilities of the Council as landlord.

Members noted that as part of the policy review, work was being undertaken to identify possible recharges to be applied in relation to missed appointments.  This would be incorporated into the recommendations for the final version of the policy which, following a further period of consultation with tenants and leaseholders, would be presented to Cabinet for approval during Quarter 3 of 2024/2025.

The Portfolio Holder thanked the Community Select Committee for their review of the Service.

Members noted the significant challenges for the Council particularly in relation to fencing repairs and the rise in material costs which resulted in added financial and operational pressures.  The importance of providing appropriate service for those tenants needing additional support and the Council being responsive to their needs was acknowledged.

It was RESOLVED:

1.               That the draft Responsive Repairs and Maintenance Policy, which will be subject to further tenant and leaseholder consultation, for no less than 6 weeks be approved.

2.               That the final Responsive Repairs and Maintenance Policy be presented to the Cabinet for approval in Quarter 3, 2024/25.

Reason for Decision: As contained in the report.

Other Options considered:As contained in the report.