The Regulator of Social Housing has released its second response survey results, highlighting operational challenges experienced by registered providers due to the coronavirus outbreak. Responses were provided by private registered providers and local authorities with more than 1000 homes.
The survey sought to identify the number of jobs that were completed across emergency repairs, statutory gas safety checks, statutory fire safety checks, asbestos, electrical, legionella and lift checks and care and support staffing levels. It also asked respondents to highlight any key constraints, risks and mitigating actions since the previous survey.
The report displayed some interesting findings
The results show that compared to when the coronavirus outbreak was at its peak, registered providers are restarting more work where safe working practices can be put in place. There has been an increase in compliance related work and non-emergency repairs have resumed.
Having external contractors available is still an issue for some but is in a much-improved position since April, as most contractors are beginning to resume normal services. The reopening of suppliers means that there is improved access to materials and works can commence with less complication. However, suppliers are still below pre-coronavirus levels of operation and efficiency.
There are inevitable challenges with getting access to some properties to perform internal works but with safe working practices now fully trialed, residents are becoming more amenable to allow operatives access. Interestingly, demand for repairs remains lower than usual, in some cases, tenants are reporting 85% fewer issues for repairs than would normally be expected.
The amount of gas safety checks been issued has seen great improvement with most registered providers completing most, if not all scheduled services.
These results coincide with CHIC’s own feedback. Our account managers and supply chain team have been actively liaising with our members to find out more about the challenges you have been facing and what we can do to help. We remain fully operational despite current circumstances and are continuously providing new opportunities to generate cost savings and efficiencies.
If you would like to discuss your experiences or think CHIC can help your organisation, please get in touch at enquiries@chicltd.co.uk
