The council’s Housing and Repairs Service have responded to more than 874 households over the past four days alone, focussing on people with no heating or no water, and particular vulnerable council tenants.

Work continues to respond to outstanding reports of problems, and additional arrangements have been put in place, particularly with regards to call handling.

• Staff have been redirected from non-urgent programmes and activities to support the increased volume of calls and repairs.
• The council’s Call Centre has improved queuing arrangements and additional call handlers have been put in place
• Additional supplies of materials, boilers and parts have been secured
• Additional supplies of temporary heaters and bottled water have been secured and are being delivered to homes where heating or water cannot immediately be reinstated
• Housing Officers are in contact with vulnerable tenants
• Arrangements are in place to prioritise households which have vulnerable, elderly or young children in residence

Officers have noted that some tenants are reluctant to switch the heating on or use the temporary heating provided as they are concerned about the associated costs. Any tenant experiencing difficulties paying for energy should contact the Local Housing Office on 0303 123 1012.

Arrangements are also in place to address the further problems that will inevitably arise as a result when the cold weather thaws.