Introduction to Decent Homes meeting 16th October 2007.

At this lively meeting. Council tenants were given details of the Decent Homes project coming to the estate.

From my notes there were some issues. Namely,

• Insurance - This should be ok but if you have Home contents insurance inform them of the works.
• Satellite dishes /TV aerials - these will be removed subject to certain conditions. In favour of a communal dish. TV aerials are to be upgraded to facilitate digital tv broadcasting/Freeview. This specifically a problem for me as I already have my own aerial on the roof installed to allow me access to Digital TV. Installed at cost to myself.
• Kitchen Cabinets - A waste of money as they are not deep enough. Many will have to be almost immeditely replaced at cost to residents after the works to their kitchen are complete.
• Lack of Space - In smaller flats. There will be no room for the contents of the kitchen to be placed elsewhere in the property whilst structural works including rewiring if necessary. Is undertaken.
• Survey - People not happy with attitude and results of inital survey. Balfour Beatty made an undertaking to re-survey all flats on the estate.
• Time Frame - 4 weeks notice given before works to a resident flat with works lasting up to 4 weeks though average expected time is 2 weeks.
• Boxes - The Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) said the council would make boxes available for resident to pack smaller items from bathrooms/kitchens.
• White goods - Balfour would help with the moving of fridges etc. They will undertake a video survey before the goods are moved. Residents need to ask for this.
• Resident Representitives - The Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes) was looking for residents in each block to act as channels for communcation to residents within that block. I am the one for my block thus this blog. The communication line is Resident Representative, then Balfour Resident Liason Officer and then the Principal Development Manager (H&F Homes).