Weekly Minutes 28/03/2025

Weekly Minutes:

Knowes Housing Association Ltd-

Knowes Housing Association Ltd is rolling out a comprehensive upgrade programme that goes beyond routine maintenance. By integrating kitchen and boiler renewals, window and door replacements, and water tank removals alongside external improvements such as gutter cleaning, painting, and landscaping, this initiative is a forward-thinking strategy to enhance tenant satisfaction and preserve housing stock longevity. Such proactive asset management is key to ensuring the long-term viability of affordable housing.

Birmingham City Council-

Birmingham’s £6.2m commitment to upgrade roofing and cladding at Coppice Primary and Langley Special Schools underscores the importance of safe, energy-efficient learning environments. Awarded to Interclass Holdings Ltd, this investment highlights a broader trend of councils prioritising school building resilience, ensuring pupils benefit from secure, modern facilities while tackling long-term maintenance backlogs in the education sector.

Charnwood Borough Council-

Charnwood is rolling out a £500k+ investment in council home repairs, re-roofing, and insulation over the next four years. This aligns with the wider industry shift towards sustainability and energy efficiency, ensuring homes meet higher environmental standards while reducing long-term maintenance costs. With rising energy prices, such retrofitting strategies are crucial in tackling fuel poverty and carbon reduction goals.

Greenwich London Borough-

Greenwich’s £3.4m contract extension for fire remediation work, is a critical step in accelerating fire safety measures. Addressing 6,000 outstanding fire safety actions, this initiative reflects the urgent need for councils to meet compliance deadlines in the wake of tightening fire safety regulations. As fire safety remains a national priority, such proactive investments are key to protecting residents and maintaining regulatory standards.

Islington London Borough-

With four major contracts approved, Islington is taking decisive action to fortify the roofs of 35,000 council homes and 4,500 public buildings over the next four years. This strategic investment in roofing, scaffolding, and emergency cover reflects an increasing emphasis on proactive maintenance and risk mitigation. By ensuring weather resilience and structural integrity, the council is enhancing tenant safety and safeguarding public assets for the long term.

Lambeth London Borough-

Lambeth is spearheading sustainable urban infrastructure with a £224,166 Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) project outside Jessop Primary School. By reallocating £171,780 from the Highways SuDS budget, this initiative reflects a growing commitment to green infrastructure, mitigating flood risks and enhancing environmental sustainability. As urban areas increasingly confront climate-related challenges, such projects demonstrate the role of local authorities in creating resilient cities.

Norwich City Council-

Norwich’s £2m refurbishment and subdivision of Unit E, Stafford Park 6 aims to boost rental income by 40%, showcasing an entrepreneurial approach to local authority property management. Meanwhile, its £593,778 investment in Blackfriars Hall ensures heritage preservation remains central to urban development. This balanced strategy highlights how councils can generate sustainable revenue streams while protecting historic assets.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council-

Stoke-on-Trent’s £2.94m transformation of The Mount at The Willows Primary School is a long-term investment in education infrastructure. With roof repairs, new classrooms, heating upgrades, and safety improvements, the project tackles both capacity needs and sustainability goals. By prioritising cost efficiency and environmental compliance, the council is ensuring modern, energy-efficient learning spaces for future generations.

Waverley Borough Council-

Waverley’s £12.6k consultant-led review of its Housing Responsive Repairs and Voids service signals a strategic shift toward efficiency-driven housing maintenance. By assessing delivery models and feasibility, the council is exploring cost-effective solutions that enhance service quality while optimising resources. Such appraisals are becoming essential as councils navigate budget constraints while maintaining housing stock.

Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council-

Wigan’s £500,000+ investment in the refurbishment of Brookdale Court and Blakeborough House signals a growing recognition of the importance of high-quality sheltered housing. As ageing populations increase demand for safe, comfortable living environments, this scheme sets a precedent for other councils to prioritise long-term care solutions, improving resident well-being and enhancing housing standards.