Updates ... been a while ... changes to repairs ....

Finally we have a Children's Play area and social area for residents. I asked, at the start of the Decent Homes project, many years ago now. To move the play area to the green as it was much safer, not least as the area is surrounded by flats allowing parents to keep a watchful eye on there kids. This suggestion was objected to by a few residents. Now we have on with activities for the kids. Open day by the mayor is tomorrow, 5th July.

I spend some of my time running a campaigning website. Activities here and with meetings some local, some even in Parliament have kept me busy.

However as always. Our focus changes when something affects us. Currently I am trying to get a resolution to water leakage problem that has been on-going since the completion of the "Decent Homes" work in our block.

Never ever having a problem with any water leaking in the flat prior to this. It seems that the council has been unable to properly diagnose and institute a lasting repair.

We know from previous investigations this is likely a pipe issue and thus no fault of the tenant concerned. Though establishing this was protracted, it took several months. Then only when the "its a sealant in the bathroom problem" didn't solve the problem.

When it was supposed to be fixed. The first rectification of the structural damage had to be redone within weeks.

The problem is back now, and worse.

Oh and I was told that the structural damage that has re-occurred isn't a repair anymore. Here is an extract of an email I sent to H&F Homes and Stephen Greenhalgh on the 8th June 2010 and have yet to receive a reply from anyone -

"The severe damage from the constant leaking to the wall but mainly the ceiling which has mould etc. I don't want you to deal with that as it will be part of my complaint but I have an issue for clarification. I was told that repairs wouldn't deal with structural repairs that I had to claim off my "contents insurance" ????? that the procedure had changed a few weeks ago.

1) Is this true?

2) When are tennants going to be informed of all these new changes?

3) Contents insurance will not cover structural repairs that is why building insurance exists ? Does the council not have buildings insurance on there estate?

4) Are they aware of how many tennants may not be able to afford insurance and the very quick demise of there estate portfolio as a result of strucutral defects going unrepaired.

I know housing is a media issue in this borough and I think there are many interested in this aspect.

.....

I have copied in our local councillor Mr. Greenhalgh for his input/response into this specific matter."

Did anyone receive information on this?

Well the process of engaging with H&F Homes and the repairs team has been like "pulling teeth".

Last week we had another leak into the flat and I finally decided enough was enough.

Having heard nothing to the complaint emailed, with a copy taken to the office in person. I emailed following this last event.

Within a day I received some replies. I guess when I do engage with the media on this they all want to demonstrate they were not at fault. However this has been going on for over 2 years now.

So this is a project. When I get some answers I will post more.

Also you may be interested in http://www.tenantservicesauthority.org/

In the mean time I hope you are enjoying your summer.

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).