Council getting just 8% of disrepair work orders done in target time Sheffield Council Local authority is getting only 8% of its disrepair works orders done in target time, a council report has revealed.
Introduction
Councils in the UK have a legal obligation to repair social housing that is in their control. This means that they must fix any problems with the property that could affect the health, safety, or security of the tenants. The repairs must be carried out within a reasonable time frame, and the council must not charge the tenants for the repairs.
The Right to Repair scheme
The Right to Repair scheme is a government-backed scheme that sets out the standards that councils must meet when it comes to repairs. The scheme covers a wide range of repairs, including:
- Structural problems, such as cracks in the walls or ceilings
- Plumbing problems, such as leaks or blocked drains
- Electrical problems, such as faulty wiring or appliances
- Heating problems, such as broken radiators or boilers
- Security problems, such as broken windows or doors
Why Councils don’t do the Repairs
There are a number of reasons why some UK councils are so bad at housing repairs to social housing. These include:
Lack of funding: Councils have been facing budget cuts for many years, which has led to a reduction in the amount of money available for repairs.
Understaffing: Councils have also been losing staff, which has made it difficult to maintain a high level of service.
Outsourcing: Many councils have outsourced their repairs to private contractors, which has led to problems with quality and communication.
Bureaucracy: The repair process can be very bureaucratic, which can lead to delays.
Tenant apathy: Some tenants are apathetic about repairs, which can make it difficult to get problems fixed.
These are just some of the reasons why some UK councils are so bad at housing repairs to social housing. It is important to remember that not all councils are bad, and there are many councils that do a good job of maintaining their social housing stock.
However, there are clearly some areas where councils need to improve, and it is important that they do so in order to provide their tenants with a decent standard of living.
Council Failing to Repair Housing
In the last quarter covering October to December 2022, Sheffield City Council saw the number of disrepair work orders completed in target time drop from 17% to 8%. This is a significant drop, and it is clear that the council is struggling to keep up with the demand for repairs.
There are a number of reasons why this might be the case. One possibility is that the council is simply understaffed. Another possibility is that the council is facing budget cuts, which has made it difficult to invest in repairs. It is also possible that the council is struggling to manage its repairs contracts, which could be leading to delays.
Whatever the reason, the situation is unacceptable.
Council tenants have a right to expect that their homes will be properly maintained, and the council has a duty to ensure that this happens. The council needs to take urgent action to improve its performance in this area.
Here are some suggestions for how the council can improve its performance:
- Increase staffing levels in the repairs department.
- Invest in repairs and maintenance.
- Improve the management of repairs contracts.
- Communicate more effectively with tenants about repairs.
Set clear targets for repairs and monitor performance.
By taking these steps, the council can improve its performance in repairs and ensure that its tenants have a decent standard of living.
What Can I do if the Council wont Repair?
Contact Claim Today Housing Repair Legal Help if a Council is not repairing your social housing disrepair.
Claim Today Housing Repair Legal Help specialise in social housing law repairs. We can help you to understand your rights and to take action if your council is not meeting its obligations.
Here are some of the things that Claim Today Housing Repair Legal Help can do for you:
- Advise you on your rights:Claim Today Housing Repair Legal Help can advise you on your rights as a social housing tenant. We can tell you what the council is required to do to repair your property and what you can do if the council is not meeting its obligations.
- Help you to negotiate with the council:Claim Today Housing Repair Legal Help can help you to negotiate with the council to get your repairs done. We can write letters and make phone calls on your behalf.
- Take legal action against the council:If the council is still not willing to repair your property, Claim Today Housing Repair Legal Help will take legal action on your behalf. We can file a claim in court and represent you at the hearing no win no fee!
If you are a social housing tenant and you are experiencing disrepair, you should contact Claim Today Housing Repair Legal Help today. We can help you to get your repairs done and to protect your rights.
Call now on 0800 29 800 29
