en.Wedoany.com Reported - A new digital-first repair service has been launched for tenants and leaseholders of Birmingham City Council, aiming to provide clearer updates and greater flexibility.
The improved service, which started on July 1, is centered on being more helpful, flexible, and responsive. The new digital reporting process is designed to simplify the repair reporting process while improving communication and boosting overall tenant satisfaction. Residents will receive clearer information about planned work, scheduling, and any changes, and will have more freedom to reschedule appointments when necessary.
New technology and systems will be gradually introduced to monitor the condition of council housing, helping to make homes warmer and more sustainably insulated. This approach aims to deliver better value for money for both the council and tenants. Under the new arrangements, day-to-day repairs are handled by three contractors: Equans for homes in east Birmingham, WPS for the north and south, and Mears for the central and western areas.
These contractors will work closely with the council to support an investment of over £200 million per year, ensuring council housing maintains appropriate standards in the long term. Over the past year, this investment program has completed 35,000 upgrades in 6,000 council homes. As the program continues, the new repair service will be closely coordinated to minimize disruption to residents.
Cllr Baber Baz, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness at the council, said: "The new modernized service will ensure tenants receive the quality of service they should rightly expect and enjoy. We have used extensive tenant feedback to build this new service. They clearly told us they wanted a service that is easier to use, more flexible, and provides clearer communication and updates on reported repairs. Improving council housing and the service we provide to our tenants is our top priority. That is why we invest over £200 million each year in council housing to ensure they meet appropriate standards now and in the future. These new contracts will ensure we maintain the pace of investment, so all tenants and leaseholders live in warm, safe, and sustainable homes."
