'Urgent' repairs service pledged by Haringey Council as part of overhaul

The council had come under fire in recent years after building up a huge repairs backlog

An ‘urgent’ housing repairs category will be introduced by Haringey Council as it pledges to “transform” its landlord services.

The new category has been unveiled in a repairs policy co-produced with residents and backed by the council’s cabinet last week.

It explains how the council will deliver “effective, efficient and timely repairs” and maintenance while providing value for money.

The council had come under fire in recent years after building up a huge repairs backlog since bring former arms-length management firm Haringey Homes under direct council control in 2022.

But the council’s new ‘responsive repairs policy’ aligns with its “far reaching” housing services improvement plan, which includes significant investment to overhaul the service.

The repairs service is now pledging to attend urgent problems, such as replacing an extractor fan or partial water heating failure, within seven days once the category is introduced next March. Current timescales for responding to emergency repairs (24 hours) and priority cases (28 days) remain the same.

Sarah Williams, deputy leader and cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “We are committed to ensuring that our 20,000 tenants, leaseholders, and their families live in safe, well-maintained homes where they can thrive.

“We know we need to improve, and this new policy is a crucial step in transforming landlord services, setting clear standards for our repairs and maintenance service.

“Its development has been shaped by the insights and experiences of our residents, who I want to thank for their contributions.

“Their involvement ensures the policy reflects the real needs of our communities and supports our commitment to resident engagement and co-creation in all aspects of housing services.”

Leaks will be treated as emergency repairs, with the aim to visit the property, inspect the damage and repair affected areas if needed within 24 hours.

A new policy to help tenants and leaseholders with vulnerabilities access services is included to “ensure the council provides the right kind of support”.

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