Issue - items at meetings - Future repairs & maintenance to council housing stock.

Resolved:

2.1      That the Committee notes the progress with the programme which is outlined in the body of this report.

77.1          The Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director for Housing, Neighbourhoods & Communities updating the committee on the commencement of the council in-house Repairs and Maintenance service following the TUPE (Transfer of Undertaking Protection of Employment) transfer of Mears staff into the council, which took place on the 01April 2020.

77.2          The report was introduced by the Senior Programme Manager.

77.3          Councillor Hugh-Jones was informed by the Senior Programme Manager that the repairs call centre staff were working from home at this time. Once the COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted or altered the re-organisation of the call centre will be look into. Emergency calls only are being dealt with, resulting in a reduction in the number of calls over all. The percentage of routine jobs delayed by COVID-19 restrictions is currently unknown. The Assistant Director of Housing stated that the Quarter 4 figures would be presented to the Committee at the next meeting in June 2020. It was noted that the Task and Finish Group were looking into how to hold virtual meetings in the light that some tenants did not have the appropriate technology.

77.4          Councillor Mears was informed by the Senior Programme Manager that out of the 167 staff identified only 132 transferred to the authority on 01 April. Some staff had already transferred whilst others had left. It was noted that the staff were fluid. The Councillor was also informed that a report will be presented to the June committee meeting regarding the affects of the COVID-19 restrictions.

77.5          Councillor Gibson was informed by the Senior Programme Manager that a detailed report will be submitted in June including the number of jobs this year against a ‘normal’ year.

77.6          Councillor Osborne was informed by the Senior Programme Manger that some repair staff were not working and were on Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) special leave with full pay. The return date for routine repairs was not known.

77.7          The Assistant Housing Director assured the committee that emergency repairs were being carried out and the Council were working closely with regulators such as Gas Safe to ensure the safety of tenants.

77.8          Councillor Fowler thanked the officers for the smooth transition on 01 April welcomed the staff from Mears to the council. Councillor Fowler also thanked all key workers across the city for there work during the COVID-19 restrictions.

Resolved:

2.1      That the Committee notes the progress with the programme which is outlined in the body of this report.