Issue - meetings

- report by Jim McAusland, Interim Chief Executive, 2010 Rotherham Ltd.

Consideration was given to a report by Jim McAusland, Interim Chief Executive 2010 Rotherham Ltd., outlining the progress of the Decent Homes Programme to date including the levels of customer satisfaction and set out the schedule of future Decent Homes work to be undertaken when 2010 was awarded 2 stars by the Audit Commission.

Between February, 2002 and December, 2005, 2,731 properties had been brought up to the Decent Homes standard.  Appendix A submitted broke the properties down into contract area and property numbers listed against the principal contractors. 

Appendix B set out the latest cumulative figures indicating customer satisfaction with the Programme.  Two Customer satisfactory surveys were carried out.  Firstly an exit questionnaire which was handed to tenants by the contracting partners upon completion of the Decent Homes works and secondly a postal questionnaire which was sent by 2010 6 months after completion.  More sophisticated measurement techniques would be employed in the next phase of the Programme and were set out in the invitation to tender for Decent Homes works in 2006-2010.  Key Performance Indicators would be linked to financial incentives ensuring that contractors’ performance was incentivised.

Appendix C focussed on Phase 2, setting out the programme of works to be undertaken when 2010 was awarded 2 stars by the Audit Commission.  The programmed scheduled the works necessary to complete the Decent Homes Programme bringing all Council properties in the Borough up to the required standard by the year 2010.  It consisted of refurbishment work, both internal and external, and security work (doors and windows).

Appendix D detailed the current financial position, broken down into spending by both partners, the direct works, housing, professional fees and the current windows and doors programme.

Members asked a range of questions which included the quality of work by Contractors.  Officers responded to this.   The Executive Director of Neighbourhoods reported that continuous improvements were being made to achieve a high level of satisfaction with the decent homes programme.

The Chairman referred to the KPI monthly performance data sheets and asked that an extra column be provided with appropriate headings to make the report more meaningful.   The Chairman also requested that a minimum font size of 12 was used for future reports.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the progress made to date be noted.

(2)  That the Scrutiny Panel receive a further report in March on the Decent Homes Programme with regular updates as requested by the Chairman of the Panel.

(3)  That the KPI performance data sheets include an extra column with appropriate headings to make the report more meaningful.