Agenda item

To consider the report from the Cabinet Member Better Homes

Consideration was given to the report of the Cabinet Member Better Homes

Councillor Meric Apak, Cabinet Member Better Homes, gave the following key responses to questions:

·       In January 2021, Camden responded to increased casework trends during the pandemic with resources allocated to deal with damp and mould. This led to the creation ofa ‘Damp and Mould Team’ who had been assessing referrals and where required to commission damp and mould work. In recognition of the impact of other factors on damp and mould, the Repairs Service also set up a ‘leak hub’ that would be focused on finding the root causes of leaks. This was in addition to the work already established to periodically check gullies and outlets. A Damp and Mould cross Council project board had been set up with the mission that no one was at risk of harm in Camden from damp and mould. The approach the Council had undertaken to tackling this issue was being seen as ahead of many other local authorities, some of whom were contacting the Council seeking information regarding the way Camden had approached this.

·       As part of the next stage of dealing with damp and mould issues the Council had sent out approx. 17,500 SMS to registered residents on Friday 9^th December asking if tenants had damp and mould issues. Following this over 921 tenants had responded as of today, advising the Council of damp and mould issues they felt needed to be addressed. The Council would also be sending out a letter or email to households advising them on how to reduce moisture in their homes this winter, and asking them to report damp and mould on-line or by text.

·       The Repairs Service has scaled up its resources to respond to the anticipated increase in the volume of damp and mould reports. Neighbourhood Housing Officers would also increase visits where they would check for damp and mould and refer it to the Repairs Service where it was identified.

·       In keeping with the wider market, there were challenges around supply chain issues and availability of suitable staff, and it was noted this may have an impact on turn-around times but this was being monitored appropriately.

·       The Repairs Service was continuing its work in developing a new ‘front-end’ for the repairs service so residents could track progress on their repair, but work on the ‘back-end’ of the system was needed first and this was being taken forward by the service.

·       The Repairs Service was now seeing over 50% of repairs being reported through remote methods leading to call handlers being able to respond to those still using the phone (who tended to be more vulnerable tenants) quicker.

·       Officers would look at promoting the SMS service as part of the rent statement changes that would be circulated to all tenants, along with providing further information on the remote reporting methods on community noticeboards.

ACTION BY: Director of Housing (AS)/Director of Property Management (SR)  

RESOLVED –

THAT the report be noted