Content

14.1.1

Changes to Regulations and
inspection regimes has resulted in a substantial increase in the
number of fire safety responsive repairs being identified and
remedial works required.

14.1.2

Sheffield City Council’s
internal Repairs and Maintenance Service currently do not have the
capacity to deliver the large number of fire related responsive
repairs and there is a significant risk of repairs not being closed
within defined timescales. This could put residents and visitors at
risk.

14.1.3

Members considered a report of
the Interim Housing Director recommending that the Council procure
and commission a competent contractor to deliver fire safety
remedial works on behalf of Sheffield City Council Repairs and
Maintenance service managed by the Housing Fire Safety Team to
effectively manage the repairs.

 

 

14.2

RESOLVED
UNANIMOUSLY: That the Housing Policy
Committee:-
 

 

1.   
Agrees the proposal for the operational arrangements
for managing responsive Housing fire safety remedial
works

2.   
Gives approval to procure and commission a competent
third-party fire safety contractor to undertake responsive repairs
related to fire safety. Moving from an in-house model to an
external solution to allow SCC to discharge its duties.

 

 

14.3

Reasons for Decision

14.3.1

The decision to utilise the
already approved Housing Revenue Account (HRA)
funding to commission a
competent third-party Fire Safety Contractor for
responsive
fire safety repairs
is essential to ensure compliance with
regulatory standards and to mitigate significant risks to residents
and visitors.

 

 

14.3.2

The internal Repairs and
Maintenance Service currently lacks the capacity to
manage the volume of fire
safety repairs, posing a serious risk of non-compliance
with the Regulator of Social
Housing’s requirements. Without timely action, the
number of overdue fire safety
repairs is likely to increase, jeopardizing the
Council’s
ability to meet its statutory
obligations as a landlord.

 

 

14.3.3

Moving to an external partner
solution rather than an in-house model will allow SCC
to discharge its duties. By
commissioning an external contractor, the Council can
effectively address the current
capacity shortfall, maintain compliance with regulatory
requirements, and fulfil its duty to provide safe and decent
housing for its tenants.

 

 

14.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

14.4.1

Alternative Option
1:
Do nothing – Not an
option
The Council must be able to
discharge its duties. Do nothing is not a viable option
and not only puts the council
at risk of financial penalties but could put residents
at
unnecessary risk and in some
case could pose a significant threat to life if repairs are not
completed in a timely manner.

 

 

14.4.2

Alternative Option
2:
Increase Repairs and
Maintenance Resource – Not an Option
Our internal Repairs and
Maintenance Service currently do not have the capacity to deliver
the large number of fire related responsive repairs and there is a
significant risk of jobs not being closed within defined
timescales. The Service explored increasing the resource however
the time taken to recruit and train operative to the required
standard will further increase the backlog of repairs.