Sandwell Council is continuing to make strong and measurable progress on its Housing Improvement Plan.
This plan was launched in response to the C3 regulatory judgement, with a clear focus on improving housing services and delivering better outcomes for tenants.
A key priority within the Housing Improvement Plan is tackling outstanding repairs. By working closely with contractor Seddon, the council is steadily reducing the repairs backlog while maintaining a strong day-to-day repairs service.
Over the past year alone, more than 86,000 repairs have been completed, with 95.6% of emergency repairs carried out within 24 hours. This sustained effort is helping to ensure homes are safer, more comfortable and better maintained.
Tenant feedback reflects this progress, with customer satisfaction for repairs now standing at over 95%. Repairs continue to be the single biggest driver of overall tenant satisfaction.
Big improvements have also been made in complaint handling by the Council, with 91% of complaints received in Quarter 3 responded to within the timescales set out by the Housing Ombudsman, compared to 67% in the previous quarter.
These improvements demonstrate the positive impact of focused action under the Housing Improvement Plan.
Listening to tenants remains central to the council’s improvement journey. A new Tenant Engagement Strategy is being co-produced with involved tenants, setting out how tenants will be listened to, involved and empowered in shaping services and neighbourhood improvements.
The council’s Tenant Auditor Group (TAG) is already making a tangible difference. Their recommendations have helped improve the anti-social behaviour reporting process and simplify the Choice Based Lettings bidding system, making it easier and more accessible for applicants.
Councillor Vicki Smith, Sandwell Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “We are determined to deliver lasting improvements to our housing services. The progress we are making on repairs, safety and tenant engagement demonstrates our commitment to responding positively to the C3 regulatory judgement.
“While we recognise there is more work to do, we are closing the gap and building a housing service that our tenants can rely on and be proud of.
“Sandwell Council remains focused on sustaining this momentum and delivering continuous improvement for tenants across the borough.”
