Council hails jobs drive's home repair impact

A local authority says it has boosted housing tenant services after embarking on a 40-job drive.

Gateshead Council has added plasterers, bricklayers, joiners and plumbers to its home repairs division.

Bosses say the move – which has also created customer advice and support officer roles – has reduced repair backlogs and increased the number of homes available for rent.

They add the jobs drive was funded through £3 million savings made by reducing external contractor use, with roofing, fencing, empty home clearances, remedial repairs and locksmithing also moved in-house, and a new damp and mould team established.

Councillor Chris Buckley, Gateshead Council cabinet member for housing, said: “Our tenants are at the heart of everything we do.

“This investment in our home repairs service means we can respond faster, deliver higher quality repairs and provide exceptional customer service.”

Ian McLackland, service director for repairs and maintenance, added: “The progress we’ve made in recent months is already having a real, positive impact on tenants’ lives.

“By bringing more work in-house, adding specialist teams and focusing on customer care, we’re making repairs quicker, more efficient and more responsive than ever before.”

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