Issue - meetings

(i)       in response to a question regarding re-using locks and keys removed from properties, to note that officers would see if this could be implemented;

(ii)      to note the responses provided to questions from members; and

(iii)      to otherwise endorse the recommendations for improvement and agreed by the relevant function.

The Committee had before it a report by the Chief Internal Auditor which presented an audit in relation to Housing Repairs – Voids which was undertaken to provide assurance regarding the process for re-letting void properties and compliance therewith.

The report recommended:-

That the Committee review, discuss and comment on the issues raised within this report and the attached appendix.

In response to a question regarding who undertakes the pre-termination inspection, the Locality Inclusion Manager advised that where possible the Housing Officer and a member from the Building Services team would undertake the inspection.  He further advised that any repairs required to be carried out by the tenant would be identified and they would be notified.

In response to a question relating to whether locks were changed for every property and whether these locks could be re-used, the Locality Inclusion Manager advised that the locks were changed for all properties by Building Services as there was not always a guarantee that all keys had been returned and that the locks weren’t currently re-used.  He further advised that officers would identify whether they could be used for other properties in a different part of the city.

In response to a question regarding what officers were doing to reduce delays in repairs to void properties, the Locality Inclusion Manager advised that an action plan had been developed which would capture all of the repairs required and timelines for completion and that the action plan would be monitored and managed closely to ensure repairs were carried out in a timely manner.

Members asked questions in relation to what was being done to ensure new tenants or those tenants moving via an exchange were not charged for any works carried out due to the exiting tenant not completing them prior to leaving.  The Locality Inclusion Manager advised that work had been completed in this area and that charges would be recovered from the previous tenant.

In response to a question regarding whether kitchens, doors and other improvements to properties installed by the previous tenant were automatically removed, or tenant asked to remove/replace them, the Locality Inclusion Manager advised that where the installations were fit for purpose they could remain in the property and that this would be logged in the Housing System.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)       that officers investigate the possibility of re-using locks and keys removed from properties;

(ii)      to note the responses provided to questions from members; and

(iii)      to otherwise endorse the recommendations for improvement and agreed by the relevant function.