Issue - items at meetings - Provision of Home Improvement Agency Services

RESOLVED:

That Housing Committee:

2.1      Recommends to Policy & Resources Committee that the service is brought inhouse.

That Policy & Resources Committee:

2.2      Agrees that the service is brought in-house; and

2.3      Delegates authority to the Interim Executive Director, Housing to take all steps necessary to implement the recommendations in 2.1 and 2.2 above to bring the service in-house.

115.1  The Housing Adaptations Operations Manager introduced the report which provided context and background to the Home Improvement Agency (HIA) service and outline the options for future provision and the bringing of the service inhouse.

115.2  Councillor Atkinson was informed that the manager is working Human Resources to ensure humanisation and a smooth take-over of the small number of staff.

115.3  Councillor Osborne was informed that the report had taken since January to come to committee as the pandemic had raised more urgent issues. Savings would the prevention of tenants being moved out of properties and into care homes.

115.4  Councillor Osborne was informed that the Home Improvement Service was directly funded from capital grant funding and the transfer would benefit staff.

115.5  Councillor Hugh-Jones was informed that services were already integrated to ensure savings.

          Debate

115.6  Councillor Williams wanted to note that there was no criticism of the current service provider and the general budget would show savings.

115.7  Councillor Mears noted the service works well and expressed concerns at bringing inhouse, having noted the serious problems with the repairs service currently on strike. The Councillor considered the procurement decisions were not clear and would be voting against the recommendations.

115.8  Councillor Gibson approved of the move to inhouse and supported the recommendations.

115.9  The Chair put the recommendations to the vote, and it was agreed by a vote of 8 with 2 against.

RESOLVED:

That Housing Committee:

2.1      Recommends to Policy & Resources Committee that the service is brought inhouse.

That Policy & Resources Committee:

2.2      Agrees that the service is brought in-house; and

2.3      Delegates authority to the Interim Executive Director, Housing to take all steps necessary to implement the recommendations in 2.1 and 2.2 above to bring the service in-house.