Issue - meetings

To note the out proposed interim policy updates that will ensure the Council meets the requirements of Awaab’s Law.

Contact: David Brook, Housing Repairs and Maintenance

1)    That the Repairs and Maintenance Policy: Interim Update be noted and approved.

2)    That the Damp, Mould and Condensation (DMC) Policy: Interim Update be noted and approved.

3)    That the intention to consult further with tenants on the detail and effectiveness of these policies, which may lead to subsequent policy amendments be noted.

4)    That the intention to develop further supporting policies and procedures in consultation with tenants.

(Under the provision of Council Procedure Rule 36(1), Cabinet received  representations from Councillors Darwan, Scott and H Zaman).

     Cabinet received a report which set out proposed interim policy updates

that would ensure meeting the requirements of Awaab’s law and build

upon the work carried out in recent months to reduce the significant

backlog of damp, mould and condensation cases, and provide a proactive

repairs service to Council tenants. It was noted that Awaab’s Law

introduced new statutory duties for social landlords to address damp,

mould and condensation hazards, and other hazards, within strict

timescales.

The report set out the detail of the proposed policy updates and proposed

an intention to embark on a meaningful programme of tenant engagement

which would allow tenants to inform the services provided. It was noted

that the proposals to engage with tenants on related policies sought to

provide meaningful opportunities for tenants to influence and scrutinise the

Council’s strategies. 

Cabinet noted that, for 2025-2026, there was a budget for repairs

and maintenance works of £31.3m, increasing to £32.7m in 2026- 2027,

which included a budget of £12.6m for responsive repairs and damp and

mould. The report advised that a budget of £3.1m had been provided to

carry out stock condition surveys over the next three years.

RESOLVED –

1)    That the Repairs and Maintenance Policy: Interim Update be noted and approved.

2)    That the Damp, Mould and Condensation (DMC) Policy: Interim Update be noted and approved.

3)    That the intention to consult further with tenants on the detail and effectiveness of these policies, which may lead to subsequent policy amendments be noted.

4)    That the intention to develop further supporting policies and procedures in consultation with tenants.