Decent Homes - Update.

We are into 2009 and the external phase of the Decent Homes is due to start on the 19th January 2009.

However there are some changes that we as council tennants have not been kept up to date on.

Apparently we were getting "Decent Homes Plus" and this has been downgraded now to just the basic "Decent Homes". Not sure when this happened but will ask a question and post back.

What does this mean?

Doors.

We were told in 2007/2008 that we were getting new front doors. We had no choice other than the style and colour. You may remember filling in the questionaire. We then heard nothing.

I caught the council doing their "Door Survey" apparently they are overhauling exisiting doors and only replacing where absolutely necessary. Yet the criteria for this remains a mystery.

I should note that Leaseholders have the choice of a new door so long as they pay for it. It may be related to the cost Leaseholders have to pay. It seems Leaseholders are being kept more in the picture than we are over works. Though they are the minority of tennants. Of course they pay for the works to the external fabric of the buildings for their share and one cannot blame them for keeping an active interest.

It is the council that promised tennant participation and they have failed to deliver.

Scaffolding will be going up and I would remind you to ensure that any insurance company you pay for cover is notified of this. Otherwise, should you suffer a break in and loss your policy may be invaild and you may not be able to claim.

Satellite Systems.

I have been raising issues on this for the last two years and about to submit complaint number 3. The council have avoided answering the issues around this.

They are trying to say that any dish without permission will be removed by them. However as they have not enforced these terms thus far over many years from the tenancy contract. It could be argued that legally they have allowed the "Custom" of tenants having there own satellite dishes purvey and created am implied consent. When I have more I will let you know.

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).