Decision details

Cabinet considered a report which set out the management response to the concerns raised about gas safety certification in the Monitoring Officer’s report to Cabinet.

The report set out the background to the identified failure to undertake inspections in a number of council owned dwellings and the remedial actions taken.

The council views the health and safety of its tenants as a critical priority. The council will take all necessary action to ensure that gas safety inspections are completed in line with legislation and to provide assurance to members, tenants and officers of the council about gas safety.

Cabinet:

1.  Adopted the report as its report to the Monitoring Officer in accordance with the requirements of S5A (8)&(9) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989, and agreed that a copy of it be provided to all Members of the Council and the Monitoring Officer;

2.  Noted the potential wider concerns about the services provided by EKH, identified as a result of recent developments;

3.  Noted the interim measures taken and delegated authority to the Chief Executive to take further interim measures as required;

4.  Requested a further report setting out the potential future options for the management of the council’s housing stock and whether a detailed options appraisal, including resident consultation, should be completed. An initial scoping report would be required to set out the proposed process, timescale and cost.

The Council considers the health and safety of its tenants as a critical priority. In addition, 5A (8)&(9) of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 requires the council to provide a response to the Monitoring Officers report.

Cabinet could have opted not to do anything. However this would have meant that the Council as a landlord, would be operating in breach of the law and the option was therefore rejected.