Agenda item

(a)       That the report be noted;

(b)       That the Interim Asset Manager seek a response from the Fleet Manager on why operatives were forbidden to jump start Council vehicles; and

(c)        That a standard item on the mobile PDA devices be included on the Committee’s Forward Work Programme.

The Head of Housing introduced the report to update Members on progress with repairs and maintenance service performance improvements.  The Interim Asset Manager outlined key workstreams such as the introduction of the new Contact Centre system in the Housing Asset Management section by December 2012, the developments in the new Stores service set up in April 2012 and consultation on the introduction of extended service hours to help improve services.  Members welcomed the report and raised a number of queries.

Councillor A.M. Halford asked questions on Single Status, pay rates for trades staff and training requirements.  The Head of Housing explained that Job Evaluation Questionnaires (JEQs) for the Asset Management back office staff were shortly due to be assessed.  She said that following benchmarking with other Authorities, a multi-skilling development programme had been agreed to ensure that a robust process was put in place.  On training, there were already a number of multi-skilled trades staff who were keen to and were undertaking tasks in alternative trades, and officers were working with Trade Unions to develop a four-tiered approach to staff development: apprentices, those qualified in a single trade, those who were also able to carry out minor tasks in an alternative trade and multi-skilled tradesmen who were able to undertake a complete job in a range of trades.

Following a further query, it was confirmed that the training would apply to the in-house team who were Flintshire employees, and not to contractors.  It was also clarified that there would be 1600 training days over a 2½ year period.  The Interim Asset Manager said it was important to note that more multi-skilled trades staff would enable repairs to be completed the first time around and improve the service to tenants.

Responding to comments made by Councillor R. Dolphin, the Head of Housing confirmed that one day per 16 week period would be allocated for study leave and that training small numbers of trades staff over a 16 week period would not have a negative impact on services.  It was hoped that newly trained staff would remain with the Council and that increased job satisfaction would encourage this.  Following a further question, the Head of Housing said that the Committee had previously received detailed information on the introduction of extended service hours and that this could be re-circulated if Members wished.  She commented that these proposals had generated positive involvement from Trade Unions and a willingness to move forward.

In response to questions from Councillor M.A. Reece, it was acknowledged that there had been problems with some vehicles starting in the morning and that an ongoing review of fleet vehicle provision had prevented the procurement of new vehicles, however these issues had been raised with the Head of Streetscene who was leading on the review and resolving additional issues in his Fleet team.  The Head of Housing spoke of the necessity for utilising agency workers on occasions where workload dictated, for example when permanent trade staff had been required to work on the in-house Disabled Facilities Grant pilot.  She added that the long term aim was for internal teams to carry out more capital work as revenue backlogs were addressed.

Councillor P.J. Curtis agreed with the concept of multi-skilled workers, with the exception of gas and electrical technicians who should be trained to a specific standard in their areas.  He also said that existing trades staff who did not qualify as multi-skilled should be allowed to continue in their own areas and not be penalised.  The Head of Housing reassured Members on both points but said that new apprentices would be made aware of the expectation for their skills to develop over time.  The Interim Asset Manager agreed to seek a response from the Fleet Manager as to why operatives were not allowed to jump start Council owned vans.

In response to a query by Councillor J.E. Falshaw on the checking of van stocks, the Interim Asset Manager spoke of work to enable the back office IT system to keep a record of stock used.

Councillor Halford referred to ongoing problems with the mobile devices provided by Capita, which had been discussed at the previous meeting.  The Head of Housing said that a meeting had been held with Capita.  She said that options such as using a different software version and separating data from voice were being explored prior to meeting again with Capita.  She gave assurance that officers were committed to resolving the problem as soon as possible, commenting that another Council using the same device had experienced similar problems.  Responding to concerns raised by Councillor Halford, it was explained that Capita had provided the entire housing management computer system for Flintshire and were used by many Councils and Housing Associations with differing devices.  Due to the ongoing problems experienced, Councillor Halford requested that a standard item be included on the Committee’s Forward Work Programme and this was agreed.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the report be noted;

(b)       That the Interim Asset Manager seek a response from the Fleet Manager on why operatives were forbidden to jump start Council vehicles; and

(c)        That a standard item on the mobile PDA devices be included on the Committee’s Forward Work Programme.