Richard Parkin introduced the report and confirmed that it had been returned to the Committee at the request of Members. The Officer stated that damp and mould continued to be a problem in Council properties but stated that this was a country wide issue and that measures were being taken to tackle this issue. Damp and mould will remain a key focus and work will continue to look for ways to improve this within Council properties and with the education of residents on how to deal and reduce any damp, mould and condensation in their properties.

The Officer briefly presented the report to Members highlighting the following areas:

•           Damp and mould in the Council Housing Stock contributed to approximately 4 per cent of the repair service demands.

•           The approach of the repairs programme was to address problems rather than covering up.

•           In the Transforming Homes Programme, 2 million pounds have been set aside to address damp and mould with an overspend this was due to the nature of the work undertaken.

•           Addressing issues with the fabric of the property and work had been undertaken to address such issues in Tilbury.

•           214 out of the 253 damp and mould surveys received back from residents required some level of remedial works to be undertaken.

•           Upgrading existing single glazed windows with new double glazed.

•           Resident Communication Programme issued to all residents in October 2014, which advised residents on how to deal with damp, mould and condensation.

•           342 properties have formed part of the thermal efficiency programme.

•           In September 2015, Thurrock Council hosted a “Damn and Mould Conference”, which was attended by over 40 representatives from different local authorities and social landlords.

•           Infrared Heating was being trialled in a property in one of the Grays High rise blocks to provide the Authority of a worked example in the Thurrock Borough.

Councillor Liddiard thanked the Officer and asked if the figure of 4 per cent on the damp and mould repairs had gone down over the last 2 to 3 years. The Officer confirmed that exact figures were not to hand but stated that trends had indicated received had gone down a degree. Exact figures will be supplied to Officers.

Councillor Liddiard asked if all Council properties had been installed with double glazing, the Officer confirmed that there were still a number of flats in

South Ockendon who still had single glazed windows.

Councillor Liddiard stated that to break resident’s habits of drying clothes indoors, would the installation of washing lines help these residents more. The Officer confirmed that in his opinion this would not stop residents drying clothes inside properties.

Councillor Ojetola asked Officers what assistance was available to residents for dealing with damp and mould issues. The Officer confirmed that information was supplied to all residents on how best to deal and reduce damp and mould and to assist residents through the repair service. Advice was given by members of the technical team, which would depend on the level of mould as to when to wash-down and what detergent should be used.

Councillor Ojetola stated at what point were tenants asked to wash-down. The Officer confirmed that this would depend on the size and the location of the mould and residents would be advised by contractors. The process of dealing with residents with mould issues would be supplied by Officers and reported back to Members.

Councillor Ojetola asked for clarification from Officers on the overspend on the Housing Transformation Project. The Officers confirmed that when the programme was put together, 2 million pounds of the total amount was directly set aside for damp and mould works. Other works such as drainage, that also addressed the issue of damp and mould, had been undertaken but would not have been included in the 2 million pound aside.

It was not known how much of this was spent on the damp and mould element of the housing transformation project. Officers may be able to pull out the element of what was spent on damp and mould for transforming homes and provide this information to members. Officers confirmed that remedial works will continue but might not be able to afford to carry out projects such as the Eco Programs.

The Chair asked Officers who attended the recent Housing Conference where other local authorities attended and ideas were exchanged, whether the benefits of attending were evident as yet. The Officer confirmed that it was probably too early to tell but continued conversations would continue with other providers and maybe attend another conference in the future. Damp and Mould will remain a high priority for the Housing Department.

Councillor Ojetola suggested that Damp and Mould go onto the work programme for 2016/17 with an update from residents who believe that damp and mould issues may have affected their health. The Officer stated that results from previous surveys undertaken by Thurrock proved it was hard to make a link between the two. The Officer confirmed that conversations with Public Health will take place.

RESOLVED

1.         That the programme be undertaken to address issues of damp and mould, as described in the report, be noted.

2.         That the Committee support the move to a more planned, efficient and effective means of asset management.