Agenda item - Future delivery of housing repairs, planned maintenance and capital works

40.1           Glyn Huelin, Business & Performance Manager, introduced the update future delivery of repairs, maintenance and capital works through the transition period and beyond the termination of the Mears contract in 2020. The key decisions from the report that went through the Housing & New Homes Committee and the Policy, Resources & Growth Committee was that repairs and customer service would be brought back in-house, major capital works would function on a multi-contractor framework and that specialist works would continue to operate through the mechanical and electrical teams. He added there would be full communication among all parties as this was a huge change for residents and officers.

40.2           In response to residents, officers stated that not all staff would transfer from the Mears contract although many positions would be protected. A Programme Manager had now been recruited; but at this point it was too early to assume roles before the restructure. Officers added that this was a sensitive discussion and the legal implications such as the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 (TUPE) had to be dealt with care.

40.3           Residents raised concern about the number of tenants that did not respect Mears contractors and how this would relate to the restructure. Residents additionally questioned the current and future long-term strategies and how residents would be involved.

40.4           The Chair responded that the STAR survey provided a balanced level of satisfaction of Mears and provided the council with a good insight into the opportunities of working within the same organisation.  The Chair applauded all the research and effort Officers had made in to accounting all the options for the council moving forward.

40.5           Officers stated that the transition was in its early stages and residents would be involved in setting objectives for what they wanted to see delivered. Officers added that the transparency of the process, the value for money and bespoke provisions across the estates of the city were all important considerations.

40.6           RESOLVED – That the panel noted the report.