Agenda item

The Assistant Director (Homes & Neighbourhoods gave a presentation on in-depth review of Voids. Regarding jobs completed on time the target is 95% but this is not being met. Last year the average number of voids handed over to the contractor was averaging on 55 and this year is averaging around 30. That could be related to having a high number of voids still void which means that in regard to the turnover it has dropped down. Regarding comparison of the average time the contractor took, last year it was 21 days and this year 22 days from when works started but will have the keys before that to start scoping works so no real move in their performance. Looking at voids by bedroom size, the high demand properties are 2 and 3 bed properties. 4 and 5 bed properties are also high demand, but a smaller proportion of tenants require them. Going forward they are looking to improve the Voids process with operational keeper KPI targets to measure each step of the process.

Regarding high value and policy voids. A high value void, at a point where the property becomes vacant, depending on the location and potential value, it is passed over to a team to assess what to do with the property, i.e. Sell or retain it. This can take up to 30 days to establish. If the decision is to sell or there are properties identified to be part of regeneration, this is what’s called policy voids. There is now a pre-void inspection that needs to be carried out and part of this is ensuring that the tenant gives the required 4 weeks’ notice in order to complete what needs to be done. To help residents when moving out they are given a checklist.

Members Comments:

A Member thanked the officers for this presentation, the work carried out in order to see how things can improve and will improve, and the next steps are good and welcomed this and asked how the panel can now move forward with this.

The Assistant Director (Homes & Neighbourhoods) responded saying there are 2 things. There is the Cross-Party panel who have got a key eye on this, and it was agreed that the presentation would be done and then after time implementing everything, bring another report to this panel so update what has improved. KPI’s are being reviewed on an annual basis and the key ones will be brought showing performance regarding the council and the contractor’s performance.

A member asked why it took 30 days to decide whether to sell a high value property.

The Assistant Director (Homes & Neighbourhoods) responded that there was team that would go out do the conveyancing of the property and then look at the market. They were asked how long they needed, and they said 30 days. She agreed to ask the Assistant Director to set out in regard to what they do in that timeframe and provide that information.

Action:  Janice White

RESOLVED:

The Panel noted the Presentation.