Some housing repairs to attract fees
The Council says that the reason that garage 11 on Bramham Road has been boarded up for over 6 months is because if contains potentially hazardous asbestos. They have now agreed to have the garage cleared.
The Council is revising its policies on charging for housing repairs. It could mean that tenants will have to pay “upfront” for repairs although emergency attention to blocked drains, broken windows and power failures will continue to be given priority. Tenants may be charged (£145) future if they are “locked out” and call for Council assistance. Replacing a gate will cost £161 while an internal door will be charged at £79.85.
Window repairs will cost between £33.00 and £190.00 depending on size.
A new bath will cost £311.35 and an electric fire £291.27
The new policy – which can be read by clicking here – is likely to cause some controversy. Post and wire is confirmed as the standard boundary fence. This type of fencing is unsightly and often ineffective.
The Council is, however, committing to removing asbestos when found in council homes.
Garden sheds will not be repaired by the Council.
The proposals have not been subject to consultation with tenants associations.
There is a growing list of grievances that many tenants have with the Councils housing department.
In recent months we have seen the “good tenant” scheme dropped while poor management of the Council’s garage stock is an ongoing issue. A new Housing Estate Improvement Programme process, introduced 2 years ago, has been widely criticised with delays in both agreeing and the implemention of improvements.
NB. The Council makes a profit on its housing revenue account of over £4 million each year.