Update on Voids Service - Target CUS.07
Minutes:
Committee considered a verbal update from the Assistant Director of Development and the Property Services Manager in relation to Performance Target CUS.07 - Reduce average relet times for standard voids (Council properties) to 20 calendar days by March 2021 and maintain thereafter.
The Assistant Director of Development reported that at the start of the Covid19 lockdown in March, Housing Services had focused on carrying out housing repairs. In April, the entire housing workforce worked on void properties and all were completed.
In May, when moving house again was allowed by the Government, the Choice Based Lettings service restarted with tenancy agreements being signed when contact centres re-opened in June. Sheltered accommodation would start again in August.
The Assistant Director of Development felt that the Housing department had managed the service well - around 76 properties were allocated and 100 void properties completed. Responsive repairs were also brought up to date.
The Property Services Manager acknowledged that void properties were a concern for Members and he was aware that Committee were in the process of carrying out a review.
The Property Services Manager would soon be taking up the position of Head of Property Services and Housing Repairs and voids would come under his remit. Data reporting on voids was currently being looked at and he would also engage with Members on their findings and recommendations from the review. However, Members could contact him at any time with any concerns they may have.
Members welcomed the update and commented that information on voids by ward would be helpful to them as this was something they had previously received a few years ago.
The Scrutiny & Elections Officer noted that there was scope to expand the information produced on voids and encouraged Members to speak to the Property Services Manager outside of the meeting. The Review on voids was in the process of being finalised and included points raised regarding Members receiving information and also how other local authorities monitored their void properties.
Moved and seconded
RESOLVED that the update be noted.