Issue - meetings

(a)       That the positive progress being made to improve performance and to deliver the service improvement workstreams be noted; and

(b)       That the permanent establishment of the in-house disabled adaptations team be supported.

The Director of Community Services introduced an update report on progress with the repairs and maintenance service performance improvement workstreams.  He said that although the report demonstrated significant performance improvements, it was acknowledged that there was a need for further progress to be made.  He spoke of the challenges arising from the implementation of mobile working and thanked senior officers, managers and their teams for their positive work in response to the severe weather which had impacted on the repairs and maintenance service.

The Housing Asset Manager reported on improvements in a number of key areas such as the revised staffing structure and the implementation of mobile working which had been assisted by an increased level of IT support and dedicated server.  He advised that the extended hours service was due to be introduced on 13 May 2013 and expressed gratitude to the management team, staff and Trade Union colleagues for their contributions in progressing the change in contracts to reflect a 37 hour working week for all with effect from 1 April 2013, in line with other Council services.  On performance improvement in the repairs service, the Housing Asset Manager reported that despite the impact of severe weather conditions, figures for Quarter 4 2012/13 remained below the target of 35 days for non-urgent repairs.  He went on to report positively on the review of the in-house disabled adaptations team who were working in collaboration with other teams, and efficiencies achieved from the managed stores service.  On the latter, it was noted that the Council and contractor would each receive a 50% share of the profits achieved through the successful performance over the past 12 months.

In thanking management and teams for the improvements made, the Chairman commented that Housing was the most improved department in the Council.

In response to a question from Councillor G. Hardcastle, the Housing Asset Manager said that following the implementation of the new server and software fixes, all staff in responsive repairs together with gas and electric teams (approximately 50 employees in total) would be using PDA devices.  Although there would be less benefit in including the Voids team, this may be reviewed at a later stage.  Councillor Hardcastle echoed the comments made by the Chairman and requested that the Head of Housing send a memo to staff to express the Committee’s gratitude for the hard work carried out during the recent bad weather.  The Cabinet Member said that over 40 emergency calls per day had been received during that period.

Councillor A.M. Halford questioned what had brought about the improvements in the service and sought clarification on the removal of vehicles.  The Head of Housing felt that the most significant change was in management culture and paid tribute to teams within the service.  She spoke of positive working with Trade Union colleagues to achieve a common goal and the sharing of information which contributed to greater confidence in officers by Members.  Whilst staff morale had been affected by actions taken to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66