Agenda item

Report of the Service Director (Property Maintenance and Climate Change) on the Housing Compliance position and progress on the Improvement Plan.

Report of the Service Director (Property Maintenance and Climate Change) on the Housing Compliance position and progress on the Improvement Plan. Officers stated that the report followed on from the last report at CHP in July 2022. Fire Risk Assessments were 100% compliant. There were still some actions outstanding from the fire risk assessments that mainly relate to fire doors, and there was a programme in place to complete the fire doors.  Asbestos was 100% compliant, electricity in the communal areas was 100% compliant.  The domestic testing was 99.1% compliant. Gas had two parts so domestic was 99.98% while communal was 100% compliant.  Lift compliance was 100%.

The following points were raised and discussed:

·       Members were happy that there were improvements being made to Housing Compliance.

·       Members asked when the council anticipate completing the Fire Door works.  Officers noted that the Fire Door programme had another four years left on it. The high and medium risks will be completed by the end of this financial year and will be looking at the low risks and making sure that the council have a programme to complete damaged doors.

·       The Chair asked about the electrical domestic inspections soundness as it was 99.1% and still no access to some properties. Officers said they must have a certain number of appointments before action can be taken, then look at welfare issues, concerns and hoarding issues. The council must go down the legal route and this does take a significant amount of time, so one property would normally take around 12 weeks. Previously the figure for no access was around 300 and now it has been significantly reduced and the council will continue to work on this. The council has seen significant improvements with communication with residents and hopefully with the Social Housing White Paper, communication will be stronger.

·       Officers said that electrical testing is an area of the sector that generally struggles with access. It is a new area for residents and the White Paper is improving communication around compliance, and safety in homes.  There are strong numbers for gas because this is well embedded, and it happens every year, so tenants and residents are used to it.   Electrical testing is every five years where previously it was 10 years. Numbers with no access is now at 86 which is a good position and numbers are coming down. Moving forward, with the new Bill coming out, the council will be putting more information out for tenants on all areas of compliance.

·       Members said it was impressive to see the improvements in the compliance statistics, but it only covers the 9,000 homes that the council were responsible for out of 45,000.  Members asked what service it provides to the 80% Private residents and Owners and should they also be communicating to them about the need for electrical checks, gas checks, Co2 checks etc.   Officers said that they can put information out there to all residents and can offer advice to people, but there is no requirement for a private home to have electrical tests unless they are going to sell or rent the property.

·       Officers said that regarding the Private Rented Sector, there was a lot of information shared through the PAL accreditation landlord scheme.

RESOLVED:

(unanimous)

The Panel noted the content of the report.