Agenda item

The following officers were present for consideration of this item –

Maxine Holdsworth, Matt West, Hannah Bowman – Housing Directorate

Linda Nicholas - Human Resources

Lyne Stratton –  Communications

Jon Cumming –  Digital Services

During consideration of the report and presentation, copies interleaved, the following main points were made –

Programme Progress overview – progressing well, with significant progress against key milestones, and the closing down of issues encountered along the way

Working closely with Partners, Hyde, Rydon, and United Living, on the transfer of services. Organisational structures are in place for the delivery of services

Data transfer has progressed well. TUPE discussions are ongoing with staff and Trade Unions, and induction plans are developed. The programme is entering its final phase and receiving teams are working on detailed case handovers for key areas of work

Risk profile of the programme has significantly reduced, with only a few remaining high risk items. These risks concern the retained PFI2 structure, a peak of repairs being needed at handover, not being well prepared for the TUPE transfer, and transfer of data. Most risks have been mitigated through preparation for the transfer

Closely monitoring the delivery of the handback survey works. Sums have been retained for 1253 repairs at 895 homes identified by the survey, and outstanding on 11 January 2021

Each month complete repairs are checked and sums paid back to Partners for completed works. At the end of December 402 repairs were outstanding at 283 homes. 68% complete, 32% remaining. Access to COVID continues to be a problem for completion. Damp cases and major works are being closely monitored to ensure they are being progressed, and Rydon will continue to carry out these works until the end of the contract. Sums will be retained at the end of the contract for any incomplete works

Noted that it was felt that data transfer had gone well, and that there would be a comprehensive set of data at the time of transfer

The view was expressed that it repairs would improve now that the Council is handling the properties, and that a positive meeting had been held with staff transferring, and that standards could be raised in the future on both Partners and Council properties

In response to a question it was stated that work could take place with local community organisations, including community centres, in order to provide translation facilities in relation to the handover of properties

Reference was made to the ‘first time’ fix rate and that the target was currently being exceeded. However it should be noted that all repairs could not be completed first time. It was felt important that residents had a ‘voice’ following transfer, and that the existing PFI 1 contract did not get diminished. There is also work to be done on leaseholder recharges, and the Council would need to communicate with leaseholders in connection with the Council’s charging policy

It was noted that the Council had engaged a specialist contractor to work on street properties, who had specialist expertise in dealing with these

In response to a question it was stated that surveys of properties had taken place and disrepair issues picked up, however there were still issues in relation to vulnerable residents, and the Homes and Communities team were looking at this

A Member indicated that she wished to have details of those properties that had disrepair issues in Bunhill ward, and it was stated that this could be provided

Reference was made to energy efficiency issues in street properties, and it was stated that Government funding was being accessed wherever possible, and in addition works would be identified to be included in the capital programme. A solar strategy was also being looked at

In response to a question it was stated that the confidence of data transfer being effective was high, however there were always risks associated with a cyber attack

Noted that where appropriate properties would be adapted for disabled residents

In response to a question it was stated that the staff transferring had expertise on working with street properties, and there would also be multi trade training offered to staff to enable them to work on all types of properties

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the report be approved and referred to the Executive for consideration

(b)  That a progress report on transfer be submitted to the Committee at a future date

(c)   That details of Bunhill properties with disrepair issues be sent to Bunhill ward Councillors