Issue - meetings

This report asks the Executive Member to approve a new approach to the recovery of rechargeable repairs.

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for Housing be advised to approve Option 1 to identify the most regularly ordered rechargeable repairs and put a fixed value on the charge based on historic cost data and officer experience, with the following amendments to Annex 1:–

Glazing – separate prices for single glazing, double glazing, and size of glass up to 0.5m², 0.5-1m², and over 1m².

Washing machine and dishwasher leaks, tap connectors, hoses (tenants responsibility) - £30.00

Decision of the Executive Member for Housing

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory Panel as set out above be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  It would lead to an improved service to, and greater clarity for, customers. It would also result in greater efficiency for the council.

Members considered a report which asked the Executive Member to approve a new approach to the recovery of rechargeable repairs.

Members were presented with two options:-

Option 1 -Identify the most regularly ordered rechargeable repairs and put a fixed value on the charge based on historic cost data and officer experience. The charges would be increased annually in line with the building index. Raise the invoices using the iworld IT system. The recovery process would be done through the financial ledger by housing services.  The list of repairs would be updated on a regular basis to ensure that it reflected the most common rechargeable repairs.

Option 2 -Retain the existing system of recovery.

Members welcomed the new approach, in particular the requirement for payment, or an agreed payment plan, in advance of the repairs being carried out, unless the work was deemed necessary to ensure that the property remained wind or weather tight, or was of a health or safety nature.

Members queried about what charges would be made for cases where the damage was not wilful damage or wear and tear, such as damage as a result of illness. Officers reported that each case would be looked at individually and a decision to charge or not would be based on its own merits.

Members requested the following changes to the proposed charges contained in Annex 1:-

Glazing – separate prices for single glazing, double glazing, and size of glass up to 0.5m², 0.5-1m², and over 1m².

Washing machine and dishwasher leaks, tap connectors, hoses (tenants responsibility) - £30.00

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member for Housing be advised to approve Option 1 to identify the most regularly ordered rechargeable repairs and put a fixed value on the charge based on historic cost data and officer experience, with the following amendments to Annex 1:–

Glazing – separate prices for single glazing, double glazing, and size of glass up to 0.5m², 0.5-1m², and over 1m².

Washing machine and dishwasher leaks, tap connectors, hoses (tenants responsibility) - £30.00

Decision of the Executive Member for Housing

RESOLVED:             That the advice of the Advisory panel as set out above be accepted and endorsed.

REASON:                  It would lead to an improved service to, and greater clarity for, customers. It would also result in greater efficiency for the council.