Council tenants in Birmingham will soon benefit from an improved repairs and maintenance service, following an intensive evaluation process that also sees substantial savings estimated at around £13 million over the next four years.
Most tenants in Birmingham currently have two contractors to deal with – one for repairs and one for any issues with gas.
Birmingham City Council says the new four-year contracts will operate on a geographical basis – and will deal with all repairs, maintenance, gas servicing and home improvements.
From 1 April, tenants living in the north of the city will be supported by Keepmoat – and tenants living in west central and east Birmingham will be supported by Wates Living Space Maintenance.
Tenants living in the south of the city will be supported by Willmott Dixon.
Birmingham’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Management and Homes, Councillor John Cotton, said:
“As the old contracts came to an end, we had a chance to take a fresh look at the services provided to our tenants and create a simpler process.
“I’m pleased to announce that, from 1 April, council tenants will have repairs, maintenance, gas servicing and home improvements provided by one contractor – either Keepmoat, Wates Living Space or Willmott Dixon – leading to an improved service for our tenants.
“The new contracts will also see some massive savings, which will be ploughed back in to our housing services.”
Regional Managing Director for Keepmoat, Martin Smithurst, said:
“We are pleased to be announced as a partner for Birmingham City Council and look forward to starting work in the spring.
“As a market leader in community regeneration, we will be looking for opportunities to work with local communities to support the regional economy – as well as providing an integrated repairs, maintenance and capital improvement service to council tenants in the north of the city.”
Business Director for Wates Living Space’s Maintenance North division, Stewart Reid added:
“Wates Living Space has a long-standing relationship with Birmingham City Council – and the new appointment will see us build on and improve our exceptional standard of service, delivering a step change in performance for tenants.
“Local people are at the heart of the work we do – and our team looks forward to fulfilling the commitment we share with Birmingham City Council, to improve the quality of life of tenants, while utilising our work to create opportunities for employment and training across the city.”
Managing Director of Willmott Dixon Partnerships, Mick Williamson, also added:
“We are delighted our partnership is continuing with Birmingham City Council to provide a fast and efficient service to its tenants.
“We’re equally proud of the huge legacy we created over the past eight years – and look forward to playing a major role over the next four in supporting the city’s growth by upskilling many hundreds of people and creating new jobs.”
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