COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 10, 2023

QUESTION NO. 20

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

To ask the CEO to present an update on the Relets programme and will he give details on houses involved across the County and will he make a statement?

REPLY:

The following is the current status of the vacant properties within our Council housing stock.

Status	No. Properties
Works to be issued to contractors	10
Work in Progress	59
Works Complete	26
Total	95

Of the 59 properties were works are in progress, 41 are expected to be complete in the coming 4 weeks with the remaining 18 properties to be completed in the next 8 weeks. A total of 97 properties with an average turnaround time from vacant to relet for year to date, is 27.5 weeks.

It should be noted, in November 2022, a report was issued to the Housing SPC of the findings of a review of the Housing Maintenance Re-Let Process.  The aim of the review was to find efficiencies to reduce the length of time to complete necessary maintenance works to allow the properties to be re-allocated to new tenants.  In turn this would reduce the number of properties vacant at any point in time.  Based on findings of the review, the following has been implemented.

• Procedures and templates have been developed to allow the Clerk of Works and Foreman of Works to survey properties, prepare works schedules and issues task order to contractors within a 2-week window of the property surrendered. For properties where extensive clear-outs are required, the window for appoint contractors is extended to 4 weeks from the time of surrender.
• Procurement competition has been completed for the formation of a panel of contractors to carry out works to vacant properties. From May 2023, 5 contractors (increased from 2 contractors) have been appointed with dedicated areas.
• Time allowed for the completion of works by contractors have been reduced as follows.
  • 1 and 2 bed units completed within 6 weeks from issue of works schedules.
  • 3+ bedroom units completed within 8 weeks from issue of works schedules.
  • Additional time will be allowed where extensive renovations are required.

Following the implementation of the review, Housing Maintenance Section would like to highlight significant improvements in the delivery of vacant properties over Q2 2023.

• 72% drop in properties waiting for contractors to be appointed.
• 43% increase in properties being works on by contractors.
• 22% drop in the total number of properties vacant.

Housing Maintenance acknowledges the work to date is not yet reflected in the turnaround times, from vacant to relet.  It is expected due to the progress on site seen in Q2, this will result in improvements in turnaround times during Q3-2023.

Status	Date		Comment
	1/3/2023	30/6/2023
No. of Properties awaiting contractor appointment	55	10	Number of properties awaiting works schedules to be issued has reduced by 72%
Work in Progress	41	59	Number of properties where works is in progress has increased by 43%
Works Complete	25	26	Properties completed and not allocated remains static.
Total	121	95	Number of properties vacant reduced by 23%