Issue - meetings

Recommendations

       i.         To approve the Repairs Standard at Appendix A, having had regard to the Equality Impact Assessment at Appendix C. Launch of the Standard to be no later than 1 May 2025, in line with the roll out of the new asset management system.

     ii.         To delegate to the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing) any future changes to this Standard required by changes to legal or regulatory requirements arising in the three year period before the policy is due for review.

Considered a report of the Corporate Director of Community Development which sought approval of a new Housing Repairs Standard, setting out the obligations and commitments of the council in respect of responsive repairs and maintenance to properties let by the council.

The Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing, Councillor Simon Myers introduced the report which proposed the harmonisation of the council’s Repairs Standard in order to provide an agreed, transparent and consistent service to all tenants and leaseholders based on legislative requirements.  In the ensuing discussion, it was noted that the Local Government Ombudsman was a necessary backstop in the event of service failure; however the new standard provided a clear framework of accountability for the delivery of council repairs.

Resolved (unanimously) that the Executive:

1. approve the Repairs Standard at Appendix A, having had regard to the Equality Impact Assessment at Appendix C. Launch of the Standard to be no later than 1 May 2025, in line with the roll out of the new asset management system.

2. delegate to the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing any future changes to this Standard required by changes to legal or regulatory requirements arising in the three year period before the policy is due for review.

Reasons for recommendations

The new Repairs Standard will set a new direction that is informed by best practice to underpin an improved repairs services for council tenants and leaseholders and for their wider households. Instilling higher standards through the policy will also help to avert complaints and disrepair cases from emerging.

The new standard will help the council to deliver the Social Housing Regulator’s consumer standards, specifically the Safety and Quality Standard and the Transparency, Influence and Accountability Standard.

Delegating amendments to the standard required by changes to legislation and regulation to the Executive Member for Culture, Arts and Housing would allow for quicker changes to be made if needed to meet any new legal or regulatory requirements introduced during the 3 year period between reviews.