Agenda item - Residents Question Time

Responses to items raised at the Tenant Only Meetings (copy attached as ‘blue pages’)

6.1          1)       Knightguard contract

·       In response to residents expressing dismay over the expense of the decision to replace and not to repair, Glyn Huelin stated there had been feedback surrounding this issue and proposed take this through other groups to explore other options before discussing the whole strategy at the Housing and New Home Committee.

·       In response to residents stating that the situation on the block had been resolved, Glyn Huelin stated that the block in question had significant problems with anti-social behaviour and that the accepted proposal to fit a high-spec door had reduced problems.  The one size fits all approach has progressed to judgement on a case by case engagement by tenants and leaseholders.

6.2          2)       Support during installation of new kitchens

·       Residents stated that all options available should be made clearer before a decision and that the current system worked on the principle that only style of kitchen was suitable to all flats when personal safety needs should be considered when dealing with vulnerable people.

·       Glyn Huelin stated that the design process was important and that there was more that could be done in those terms however that in some situations there were certain standards and legislation that had to be adhered to.

·       in response to residents raising concern over the litter involvement residents had in the past, Glyn Huelin stated that future contracts will be designed so adaptations and supported moves involved tenant consultation.

6.3          3)       Rubbish bins at Hampshire Court

·       Residents expressed frustration over the Council having blamed resident associations problem and that CityClean needed to communicate with all residents to settle remaining issues.

·       Residents explained how they had met Melissa Francis, Head of Operations – CityClean, and discussed how the bin store had been moved away from the entrance and without reason, good notice or resident consultation and that accidents had occurred due to malpractice where lighter bins would have been more suitable.

·       In response to residents asking for new lighter bins, Ododo Dafe stated that she was not clear on what opportunities CityClean had to purchase new bins because where there were implications of space, weight, procurement and health and safety.

·       Councillor Gibson stated that the practice changed to a system that did not suit residents and that problems arose from CityClean cutting corners. He proposed that Rachel Chasseaud, Assistant Director - City Environmental Management, should be invited to the next meeting.

6.4          4)       Estate Development Budget (EDB) bids for refuse/recycling bins

·       Residents asked why council tenants as council tax payers had to pay for additonal bins when other council tax payers did not, why when asking CityClean for peddle bins for the elderly they had deemed the current bins adequate and whether these issues were funding problems or just deemed as a null request.

·       The Chair stated that Rachael Chasseaud could answer questions on Rubbish bins at Hampshire Court and the EDB in person.

·       Residents stated that bins were an environmental issue and should be encompassed within the new environmental budget.