Agenda item - Repairs and Improvement Update

(Copy attached)

13.1    Martin Reid, Head of Housing Strategy Property & Investment, introduced the report and highlighted:

·         The report was to be presented at Housing & New Homes Committee on 21 September 2016.

·         There was a history of issues regarding Brighton & Hove City Council not meeting the decent home standards and investment was needed to improve the stock standard.

·         A 10 year programme had been produced and would focus on: meeting with Mears on a weekly basis to discuss progress with quality assurance within the partnership; undertaking a review of the partnership to identify further improvements that would benefit the partnership, residents and stakeholders; and further reports to be presented and discussed at future Housing & New Homes Committees.

13.2    Ian Stone, Mears representative, highlighted the following:

·         All repair and improvement work was being evidenced, including before and after photos.

·         18 directly employed staff had been hired and an apprenticeship program had been developed.

·         There had been a positive change of the standard of work following the beginning of the 10 year programme.

13.3    In response to queries from the Panel the Head of Housing Strategy Property & Investment clarified:

·         The Property & Investment team had internal surveyors and worked closely with Procurement and Health & Safety.

·         It was agreed that examples of reports that Mears used to document inspections would be provided at a future Area Housing Panel.

13.4    RESOLVED – That the Panel agreed to note the report.