Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services.

The Sub Committee received a report of the Executive Director, Community and Children’s Services providing an update on the Housing Major Works Programme.

During the discussion and questions, the following points were noted:

·         The pilot window replacement project at Crescent House was complete and had received positive feedback. A ventilation strategy had been implemented to prevent damp, mould, and humidity within the property. The Yorkway communal heating system had also been completed.

·         A Member, in relation to the window replacements on the William Blake Estate, asked a member if any external funding had been received for any carbon saving measures. Officers confirmed that they would be able to explore available funding options once Gateway 3 had been approved. There were still opportunities to explore more energy efficient measures within William Blake Estate, such as vacuum glazing, despite the complicated nature of the structure of the estate.

·         Regarding staffing, officers had been conducting interviews and were expecting to have new staff joining shortly to support the delivery of the Housing Major Works Programme. The new staff would be hired on limited contracts which would be subject to review. A Member highlighted the importance of staff retention.

·         The Chair encouraged officers to show residents how well planned and robust the Housing Major Works Programme was, and how it planned to deliver on its targets. The Chair asked officers to highlight key details in reports submitted to the Sub-Committee so that the City Corporation can respond accordingly. Officers agreed, and suggested consolidating key information relating to the Housing Major Works programme in future reports.

·         Regarding the asset management strategy, officers advised the committee that the individual working on this would most likely like to have a discussion with Members regarding high priority issues. The Chair proposed the idea of having a session, if possible, at the next committee meeting or at a time most convenient for Members.

RESOLVED, that - the report be received and its contents noted.