Housing group looks to restart some services
Incommunities is stepping up the resumption of more of its services where these can be safely carried out and in line with Government guidelines.
Like all businesses, the housing group has had to adapt the way it works and this has meant focusing on delivering key essential works such as emergency repairs and safety compliance work.
Last month, parts of the group’s grounds maintenance service and repairs to its empty homes (to prepare for re-letting) were restarted with comprehensive safety measures, including social distancing, in place to protect customers and staff.
From next week (8 June) work on urgent and non urgent repairs will start again and will be phased in over the next few weeks. Delivering work safely is of paramount importance to the Group. Customers who have already logged a repair since lockdown will be contacted to arrange a suitable appointment for the work. Getting through the backlog of repairs will take some time so Incommunities are asking that customers are patient whilst teams work through the backlog of repairs.
Incommunities are also looking at recommencing the letting of homes that has not been possible during the lockdown and will be contacting customers to arrange viewings and tenancy sign-ups once properties are ready. They are urging customers again to bear with them as they catch up.
Over the last 10 weeks Incommunities teams have pulled out all the stops to keep key services running and support the group’s vulnerable and older customers. This has included:
· making over 7100 welfare calls to customers aged over 70 and those identified as vulnerable
· completed 3760 home gas safety checks and carried out 3,707 gas repairs
· carried out 1530 emergency repairs to local homes
· attended 1686 falls response and home visits to older residents through our Trustcare service
· made shopping trips and other errands for residents in need
· maintaining regular contact with customers in our retirement living schemes.
· continuing to work with the Council in delivering over 10,000 food parcels to families and individuals across the district.
· supporting over 375 office based staff who are now home working.
We are continuing to encourage customers to contact us by telephone, email or digitally whilst our bases including The Quays remain closed.
Geraldine Howley, Incommunities Group Chief Executive said: "As the Government takes some steps to ease lockdown we are planning for the gradual re-introduction of more of our services and, at the same time, putting in place further individual safe systems and processes to protect our customers and frontline staff.
"I would like to thank our customers for their continued support and understanding as services have inevitably been affected. We have received lots of positive feedback, whether following a welfare call or carefully managed home visit, which has been a welcome boost to staff.
"The lockdown has led to a backlog of repairs and affected other services but you can be assured everyone is focused on getting back up to speed as quickly as possible so please bear with us.
"We are continuing to work with Bradford Council and other local partners to provide a coordinated response to provide help to our communities where it’s most needed."
If any Incommunities’ customers are facing difficulties in keeping up to their rent or need benefits advice they are urged to contact the Income Team straightaway on 01274 254777. Our team are here to help.
For more customer information see our website page here.
If any residents are in need of support, such as requesting a food parcel, please contact Bradford Council on 01274 431000.