Agenda item

Electrical failure Battersfield House

The Assistant Director Barbican & Property Services informed the Committee that there was an incident of a power failure at Battersfield House. The cause of the power failure was due to some sockets being blown out. Operatives were on site for the whole day and carried out several tests. The heating contractors were also on-site, and mobile heaters were provided to residents who had asked for them. Work continued into the weekend, and Officers were on standby to assist residents where possible. Four vulnerable families were identified, and they were offered additional support. One family was put up in a hotel for a few days. Officers continue to work on the site and have been in touch with the leaseholders, too, and had offered advice regarding insurance matters.

One of the lifts is still out of action, as the telephone in the lift is out of order and is being serviced.

The Assistant Director Barbican & Property Services noted that one of the residents has been of immense help to the team and the residents. Officers will be in touch to thank the particular resident. 

The Chairman asked if the incident's costs can be claimed from the insurer or the supplier. The Assistant Director Barbican & Property Services responded that the City of London can claim from the insurers and residents who were affected would be supported to cover the costs of their damages. Additionally, the leaseholders will also be able to claim for the damages directly from their insurers.

A Member thanked the resident, Nicola Twin, who has been an excellent support for the residents and Officers.  The Member further commented that many appliances were blown out and if there are any opportunities to make a joint claim, as leaseholders will have much more difficulties in making a claim. The Assistant Director of Barbican & Property Services agreed to look into the matter after the meeting.

Housing Safety - Compliance

The Assistant Director Barbican & Property Services informed the Committee that the Community & Children’s Services had an internal audit carried out on Housing Safety; it was noted that fire safety was not part of the audit, which will be carried out separately.  In terms of the Housing safety audit, it was carried out successfully. One of the audit recommendations was that Members do not have a significant say in terms of housing safety, in general, the auditors took on this recommendation to have more input from Members.

As part of the KPI process, we do see the Department's performance in gas safety, but we do not see the performance in areas such as legionella, asbestos and electrical testing.

The Assistant Director Barbican & Property Services agreed that every six months a report would be provided to this Committee showing more detailed data, which will allow Members to scrutinize the work too.