Agenda item

1.    That the following six Housing Repairs and Maintenance Compliance Policies be approved and adopted, as set out in Appendices 1 to 6 of report CAB3520(H):

a)    Fire Safety Policy

b)    Gas and Heating Policy

c)    Electrical Safety Policy

d)    Asbestos Policy

e)    Water Hygiene Policy

f)      Lift Safety Policy

2.  That authority be delegated to the Corporate Head of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Good Homes, to make any minor amendments to the policies.

Councillor Becker introduced the report which sought approval for six housing repair and maintenance compliance policies which had been developed by specialist consultants to ensure that they meet the relevant legislative reform and regulative regulatory frameworks.

Councillor Becker, the Corporate Head of Housing, the Service Lead - Housing Landlord Services and other relevant officers from the team then responded to questions and comments raised by councillors as summarised below:

a)    What action was taken to mitigate against the risk of tenants disturbing asbestos-containing materials in council properties and garages. The Service Lead agreed to check that safety literature was provided to tenants of garages as well as homes.

b)    Whether Awaab’s Law applied to the private rented sector (PRS).

c)    A concern was raised that policy summaries were communicated primarily via the website, and alternative, non-digital methods were requested. It was advised that officers would review other means of communication, such as newsletters and leaflets, to ensure information was provided in a meaningful and accessible way.

The Cabinet Committee agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

1.              That the following six Housing Repairs and Maintenance Compliance Policies be approved and adopted, as set out in Appendices 1 to 6 of report CAB3520(H):

a)              Fire Safety Policy

b)              Gas and Heating Policy

c)              Electrical Safety Policy

d)              Asbestos Policy

e)              Water Hygiene Policy

f)               Lift Safety Policy

2.              That authority be delegated to the Corporate Head of Housing, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Good Homes, to make any minor amendments to the policies.

</AI11>

<AI12>