Issue - meetings

This report provides Cabinet with options for delivering the housing repairs service, following expiry of the current repairs service contract in September 2024 along with the outcome of consultation with members.

Cabinet RESOLVED:

(1)      To agree the principles outlined in section 5.0 of the report.

(2)      To note the process and outcome of the consultation with members outlined in section 8.0 of the report.

(3)      To agree for Brent Housing Management (BHM) to implement option 3 (Hybrid Model) to deliver the Housing Repairs Service.

(4)      To agree the timetable for future repairs delivery actions as detailed within the report.

Councillor Knight (Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security) introduced a report setting out options, developed following consultation with members, for delivering the housing repairs service following expiry of the current repairs service contract with Wates Construction Limited in September 2024.

In considering the report, Cabinet noted the main principles developed to guide future delivery of the repairs service taking account of the current social housing climate and extensive nature of the consultation and engagement with members in seeking to develop a preferred service delivery option.  Details of the options considered along with the detailed appraisal undertaken had been set out within section 7 of the report, with the preferred option identified being a hybrid model.  Cabinet were advised this would involve the repairs and maintenance provision being divided into six lots (three in the north and three in the south of the borough) for external procurement meaning at least two contractors would be involved in delivering the service; the establishment of a framework for small local sub- contractors and development of an in-house handyperson service, with the expectation that this would include provision for local contractors based in Brent and the recruitment of handyperson’s from amongst Brent residents.  Members were advised that this approach had also been designed to support the Council’s strategic priorities in relation to Prosperity and Stability, Community Wealth Building and Thriving Communities.

In supporting the approach outlined and thanking all those involved for their efforts in developing the options outlined and wider engagement with members, Cabinet RESOLVED, having noted the exempt information contained in Appendix 1 of the report:

(1)    To agree the principles outlined for future delivery of the repairs service, as set out in section 5.0 of the report.

(2)    To note the process and outcome of the consultation with members as outlined in section 8.0 of the report.

(3)    To approve the implementation of Option 3 (Hybrid Model) by Brent Housing Management (BHM) for future delivery of the Housing Repairs Service.

(4)    To agree the timetable for future repairs delivery actions as detailed within the report.