Agenda item

Ros Tresedor, Housing and Adult Social Services outlined the circulated report.

Following this the following main points were made –

·         In response to a question it was stated that TMO’s were able to deliver services in a more cost efficient manner than the Council and could react quickly as they did not always have to contract out services or need the level of management that the Council needed to provide

·         Major works contracts were part of the framework contracts and consultation briefings were held and TMO’s often had local knowledge and expertise that could assist in planning major works and measures were in place to invite TMO’s to meetings on site with contractors and keep them informed at TMO meetings

·         In response to a question it was stated that for cyclical maintenance works were closely monitored and the TMO had to comply with guidelines laid down

·         In relation to small works if this was electrical or work that needed certification the Council checked that there was monitoring of this or desktop monitoring took place

·         A Member expressed concern that TMO’s could engage relatives or friends to carry out works rather than go through an appropriate process. It was stated that if there were examples of malpractice that were notified to them they would be investigated. Random sample checks were undertaken of repairs and surveys of residents were carried out

·         Seven TMO’s now have business plans in place that include ideas for using their surplus funds for improvements on the estates that they manage. A further seven are developing business plans. It was stated that the Council could not force TMO’s to have a business plan and whilst it was best practice it was not formally part of the management agreement

·         With regard to discussions on shared services it was stated that there had been initial discussions on sharing finance and legal services, however there needed to be a certain level of interest and a questionnaire had been sent out and whilst there had not been much initial interest this matter had been raised again

·         It was stated that the possibility of sharing of services across London could be looked at

·         Reference was made to the fact that there was guidance for TMO’s on funding that was not rechargeable to tenants and it was stated that this could be made available to TMO’s

·         A Member expressed the view that if TMO’s had surpluses that they had not spent they should not be allowed to bid for environmental improvements works until these had been allocated

·         The TMO representative for Bemerton TMO stated that in regard to shared services they had a mixed experience of this and in some cases had received good access for Council services but in others they had found the process more difficult. He stated that where possible TMO’s should be given direct access to Council services, rather than having to go through a mediator. It was stated that there would need to be a commitment to shared services from TMO’s as additional resources would be required

·         Bemerton TMO referred to the review of allowances, and that they did not feel that they were receiving an appropriate share of Head Office costs and it was stated that discussions could take place with TMO’s

·         Reference was made to TMO surpluses and that there needed to be clarification as to how these could be spent without incurring service charges for leaseholders

·         In response to a question on TMO allowances it was stated that allowances were reviewed annually and initial draft allowances were sent out in December and finalised in March. It was stated that this could be discussed at the TMO liaison meeting

·         Reference was made to consultation on Major Works and that TMO’s would have a meeting to discuss the current problems around this and would report back to a future Housing Scrutiny Committee

·         In response to a question as to whether there should be a TMO representative on the Committee it was stated that there was not at present any provision for this in the terms of reference, however there is provision for a TMO representative on the Housing taskforce

The Committee thanked officers for attending and welcomed the improvement in relations between TMO’s and the Council since the review