Fresh approach to repairs for Birmingham council tenants

Birmingham’s council tenants will soon benefit from an improved repairs and maintenance service following an intensive evaluation process that also sees substantial savings estimated at around £13 million over the next four years.

Currently, most tenants have two contractors to deal with – one for repairs and one for any issues with gas.  The new four year contracts will operate on a geographical basis and will deal with all repairs, maintenance, gas servicing and home improvements.

From 1 April the new arrangements will see-

• tenants living in the north of the city supported by Keepmoat
• tenants living in west central  and east Birmingham  supported by Wates Living Space Maintenance
• tenants living in the south of the city supported by Willmott Dixon

Birmingham’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Management and Homes, Cllr John Cotton, said: “As the old contracts came to an end we had a chance to take a fresh look at the services provided to our tenants and create a simpler process.

“I’m pleased to announce that from 1 April council tenants will have repairs, maintenance, gas servicing and home improvements provided by one contractor – either Keepmoat, Wates Living Space or Willmott Dixon – leading to an improved service for our tenants. The new contracts will also see some massive savings which will be ploughed back in to our housing services.”

Martin Smithurst, Regional Managing Director for Keepmoat, said: “We are pleased to be announced as a partner for Birmingham City Council and look forward to starting work in the spring.

“As a market leader in community regeneration, we will be looking for opportunities to work with local communities to support the regional economy as well as providing an integrated repairs, maintenance and capital improvement service to council tenants in the north of the city.”

Stewart Reid, Business Director, Wates Living Space’s Maintenance North division, commented: “Wates Living Space has a long-standing relationship with Birmingham City Council and the new appointment will see us build on and improve our exceptional standard of service, delivering a step change in performance for tenants.

“Local people are at the heart of the work we do and our team looks forward to fulfilling the commitment we share with Birmingham City Council to improve the quality of life of tenants, whilst utilising our work to create opportunities for employment and training across the city.”

Mick Williamson, Managing Director of Willmott Dixon Partnerships, added:  “We are delighted our partnership is continuing with Birmingham City Council to provide a fast and efficient service to its tenants.

“We’re equally proud of the huge legacy we created over the past eight years and look forward to playing a major role over the next four in supporting the city’s growth by up-skilling many hundreds of people and creating new jobs.”

-ends-

For further media information contact Birmingham City Council’s Press and PR Officer Debbie Harrison on 303 4476

Notes

Details of contracts –

• Keepmoat, approx. 8,865 properties, north of the city – Sutton Coldfield and Erdington districts
• Wates Living Space, approx. 12, 664 properties in west central Birmingham – Perry Barr and Ladywood districts - and 18,363 properties in east Birmingham – Hodge Hill, Yardley and Hall Green districts (31, 027 properties in total)
• Willmott Dixon, approx. 23,429 properties in south Birmingham – Edgbaston, Selly Oak and Northfield districts

 

Tags: birmingham, Birmingham City council, , council tenants, Housing, Keepmoat, Wates, Wates Living space Maintenance, willmott dixon, Willmott Dixon Partnerships