Islington Labour’s commitment to putting the needs of the borough’s residents first has been strengthened with the return of the housing repairs service to direct council control.

From 1st August, a team of 140 council housing staff will provide a fully integrated repairs service for residents living in council properties throughout the borough. The council manages around 30,000 homes in the borough; making the new in-house repairs service one of the largest in-house operations in the capital.

The move by the council comes alongside the biggest affordable home-building programme in Islington for 30 years, which will see 2,000 new affordable homes built by next year. 

Cllr James Murray, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Housing said: 

“This is an important milestone for Islington’s council housing. At the same time as building a new generation of council housing we want to provide a high-quality service for our residents. 

“By running the repairs service directly, we can ensure resident satisfaction is a priority over profit. Over time, we want to maximise local employment and apprenticeships, alongside supporting the workforce and reducing dependence on sub-contractors. 

“Two years ago we brought housing management back in-house -; and now our decision to bringing the repairs service in-house as well shows how important it is for us to get it right.” 

After the council’s decision about the repairs contract, Kier’s gas servicing contract with the council was terminated too. The council decided to bring that service in-house rather than re-tender for another private contractor. It has been directly managing the gas servicing formerly run by Kier since 1st June. 

The Housing Direct number for tenants to report repairs to will remain the same: 0800 694 3344.

Pictured: Cllr Murray welcoming housing repairs staff back to the council.