Agenda item - Residents Question Time

(a)          Responses to items raised at the Tenant only meeting held on 17 September 2019 (copy attached as ‘blue pages’).

(b)          Responses to items raised at the East, North and West Area Tenant only meetings (for information).

31.1    (Item 1 – Equality and Inclusivity of Customer Services – Future Repairs Task and Finish Group)

31.2    Residents had the following enquiries, concerns and statements:

·         Concern was expressed regarding the potential cost of works and items.

·         1 year contracts were suggested over 5 and 7 years.

·         It was stated that environmental aspects needed to be considered.

·         It was suggested that the Housing Committee look at the responsibilities of contractors in receipt of long-term agreements despite not yet being involved.

·         Residents expressed approval of current effort to maintain windows.

31.3    Councillor Clare Rainey had the following enquiries, concerns and statements:

·         Councillor Rainey enquired if contractors were carrying out replacements and if repairs were being undertaken in-house.

·         Clarification was sought regarding the perceived difference was, following the departure of Sharon Davis.

31.4    Officers responded to resident’s concerns, enquiries and statements with the following:

·         An officer stated that repairs and empty homes refurbishments would be funded by the Estate Development Budget and discretionary schemes.

·         It was clarified that components would replaced across the city multiple times with some minor exceptions. As a result, better economies of scale along including long term value with contractors would be achieved.

·         It was stated that multiple contractors were considered for major works.

·         Possibility of looking at individual lots in future was considered.

·         It was stated that by splitting works up, only a small number of potential suppliers would potentially be attracted.

·         It was stated that a competitive element was employed for major projects.

·         It was noted that 100 in-house repairs a-day were being performed.

·         As issue with yearly contracts was that due to the amount of time for procurements to be finalised, it could take over a year to tender. This could also lead to ongoing projects with ever later deadlines thus protracting the process.

·         In regard to windows, an officer stated that BHCC were working on this.

·         It was stated that a new computer system was being introduced next year which sought to create a network by which different areas would be connected quicker such as call receivers.

·         It was confirmed that a new person taking over Sharon Davis’ role would be recruited soon.

·         An officer agreed to look at windows due for maintenance.

31.5    AGREED – That the response was satisfactory.