Council invests additional £1.8m in Housing Improvement Programme
As part of its ongoing Housing Improvement Programme, Castle Point Borough Council has approved the investment of an additional £1.8million to ensure resident safety.
The sum, which was approved by Leader of the Council, Cllr Dave Blackwell, will be used to undertake essential compliance and improvement works to the Council’s sheltered housing schemes and general needs housing properties.
Cllr Dave Blackwell said: “This latest significant investment in our ambitious Housing Improvement Programme further signifies our commitment to our residents to deliver much needed improvements following years of neglect and underinvestment from the previous administration.”
Cllr Rob Lillis, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing and Housing, added: “We are committed to addressing the historic systemic failure in the management of the Housing service, going back very many years which included failure to invest in stock, repairs and staff development and training.
“This investment will address issues identified by the Housing Improvement Programme which are essential to ensure the safety of our residents, and I am pleased that the Council has acted swiftly to provide the necessary funds.”
The essential works identified include the replacement of the warden call system, improvements in fire safety and other general health and safety improvement works such as the removal of trip hazards, improvement of floor coverings, footpaths, mobility scooter access, and replacement/updating of furniture. Works will be starting soon, and any affected residents will be notified.