Southwark Council Launches Revamped Housing Repair Service

Southwark Council has unveiled a comprehensive plan to enhance its housing repair service for tenants and leaseholders. The proposal, approved by the Cabinet on February 2, 2024, aims to address longstanding issues in the repair process, which have led to complaints about delays and inadequate service.

Key changes include the establishment of three new Neighbourhood Repairs Teams responsible for local repairs across North, South, and Central Southwark. Furthermore, the council plans to incorporate advanced technology, such as heat sensors, to detect damp and mould earlier. This initiative also seeks to minimize reliance on subcontractors, with a goal of delivering up to 90% of repairs in-house.

Councillor Portia Mwangangye, the Cabinet Member for Council Homes, emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “We want decent homes and we know how vital good repairs are to our tenants. We know we haven’t always got this right in the past, but we’re working to become a good landlord and have made real progress. Our bold Better Repairs Plan will bring significant new improvements.”

Historically, Southwark Council has faced criticism for its repair service, particularly regarding long waiting times and unresponsive communication. The council received a C3 rating from the Regulator of Social Housing in November 2024, highlighting “serious failings” in managing its housing stock. In response, then-council leader Keiron Williams pledged a substantial investment of £250 million over three years to improve council housing, including repairs and the complaints system.

The latest plan builds on previous efforts to enhance the repair service, such as the introduction of Repair Action Days. These events allow residents to have issues addressed on-site across various estates in the borough. According to the council, the new strategy is expected to generate savings of £1.3 million in the fiscal year 2026-27, increasing to £2.2 million annually thereafter. The savings are intended to be reinvested into housing improvements.

Key Features of the Better Repairs Plan

The Better Repairs Plan outlines several key measures designed to streamline and improve the housing repair process:

– Creation of three Neighbourhood Repairs Teams for North, South, and Central Southwark to ensure efficient local repairs.
– Implementation of data-driven technology, making it easier for residents to report and track repairs online.
– Utilization of sensors and heat maps to identify damp and mould issues at an earlier stage, improving response times.
– Streamlining materials storage and depots so repair teams can collect supplies locally, allowing more time for actual repairs rather than travel.
– Strengthening financial oversight and reducing dependence on subcontractors, aiming for a substantial increase in in-house repair work.
– Enhancing the turnaround time for vacant properties to expedite availability for families in need.

The council’s commitment to addressing housing repairs reflects its recognition of the challenges faced by residents. By adopting a more proactive and structured approach, Southwark aims to rebuild trust with its tenants and ensure that necessary repairs are completed in a timely manner.

As the improvements take shape, residents are hopeful that these changes will lead to a more responsive and reliable housing repair service, aligning with their expectations for a quality living environment.