Housing News Summer 2009 - South Derbyshire District Council

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Modern apprenticeships Over recent years Housing Services has actively encouraged young and emerging talent to learn building trades in a constructive manner by entering the Modern Apprenticeship Scheme. Currently, there are two members of our workforce on the apprenticeship scheme; Jordan Knowles, who is training to be a qualified Joiner, and Jason Dhesi who is in training to be a qualified plumber. Both of our apprentices work alongside our qualified and experienced tradesmen, are mentored in all aspects of their trades and are encouraged to gain confidence, independence and experience through the "hands on" approach to their work. Both Jason and Jordan are also being tutored in the formal aspects of their trades through Burton College who are delighted with the training and support given to them. In return, SDDC would like to thank the College for their active interest in the training and wellbeing of the apprentices. Letters to the Chairman Housing and Community Services Committee - Cllr John Lemmon Mr R from Newhall asks, "I've seen a number of TV adverts advertising the switchover to digital television. I live in sheltered accommodation and we have a communal aerial. What is Housing Services doing to ensure I don't lose my TV reception in the future?" Thank you for your question Mr R. The switchover for the Central TV area is planned for 2011 and most of our tenants will have the freedom to choose how they will receive television services in the future. Tenants in properties with independent aerials have the freedom to choose their own method of reception, subject to planning laws and our permission if external dishes are involved, and are responsible for the cost of any upgrades. Unfortunately, it is not so easy for tenants who receive signals through a communal system. Many public sector landlords are considering an Integrated Reception Service (IRS) that provides not only Freeview, but also subscription satellite services (i.e. SKY) and non-subscription satellite services (i.e. Freesat), with further options to provide an enhanced system that supports High Definition systems. The IRS system includes the satellite dish, amplifier and cabling to enable tenants to connect set top boxes, or receivers built into their TV sets. This system allows all tenants within a block of flats to receive satellite services without each arranging for an individual satellite dish. Two other alternatives are Cable, which is only available in limited circumstances, and internet access but that is more suited to individual properties. It is proposed that the affected tenants will be consulted during 2009 to enable work to be undertaken during 2010 in readiness for the switchover. Consultation will also include other stakeholders such as Members, the Council's Procurement Manager and South Derbyshire Tenants' Forum to discuss matters such as system types and funding. I hope this answers your question. John Lemmon •4 For any queries relating to this article, please contact Gary Clarkson on 01283 595897 or e-mail gary.clarkson@south-derbys.gov.uk
Good performance Description 07/08 Result 08/09 Target 08/09 Result 09/10 Target Repairs % of repairs reported as emergencies 16% 16% 12% 12% % of emergency repairs completed on time 99% 99% 99% 99% % of urgent repairs completed on time 96% 95% 96% 95% % of routine repairs completed on time 96 90% 95% 95% Tenant satisfaction 99 95% 96.08% 95% Rent Income Rent collected as a proportion of rents 99.25% 99.00% 99.50% 99.00% owed % of tenants owing 7 or more weeks rent 2.96% 2% 2.52% 2.50% Rent arrears of current tenants 147,535 £140,158 125,100 £112,590 Rent Arrears of former tenants 127,694 £121,309 £137,155 £130,000 % of former tenant arrears collected 16.35% 17.00% 13.55% 15.00% Improvements % non decent council homes N/A New 1.94% 0 Tenant satisfaction 96 95 97.08% 95 Longest outstanding gas safety certificate (days) % gas appliances with a gas safety certificate Homelessness The average length of stay (weeks) of households in Bed & Breakfast accommodation % of no of people seeking homelessness prevention advice who have had resolution to threat of homelessness for a period of at least 6 months Sheltered Housing % of care-line calls answered within 30 seconds 62 90 34 60 99% 99% 99.25% 99% 1 1 5 N/A N/A 50 73% 50 97 98 98 98 No of Telecare referrals received N/A 120 289 120 % of Telecare installations completed within 21 working days of receiving notification N/A 90 82 90 2008-2009 was an good year for performance as Housing Services met 17 of 22 performance targets (most of which are listed left) and came very close to a clean sweep but the down turn in the economy affected our ability to meet some of our homeless and arrears targets. During the last year the economic climate placed a strain on many peoples' ability to remain in their homes. Our figures for stays in temporary accommodation were higher than expected as a result. Though our successes include ... The performance of our Repairs' Team was particularly high. Overall we completed your repairs when we said we would in 97% of all cases. This was reflected in your responses to how you were dealt with by our team and the standard of repairs returning an overall satisfaction rating of 96%. Our Housing Options Team who helped 73% of people threatened with homelessness remain in their own home or find secure accommodation elsewhere. The time taken to re-let properties when they become empty. It took on average of only 21 days to turn around an empty property to to a new tenant moving in. This helps us reduce waiting time on the Housing Register and respond to your needs a lot quicker whilst receiving more rent income. Our Housing Officers who were also able to help reduce the level of arrears amongst our current tenants by almost £22,000. Better than our target Below our target •5
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Housing News Summer 2009 - South Derbyshire District Council

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