Written by Scott Campbell.Published at 13:02 GMT on Sunday, July 7th, 2013.Top Links: About Cumbernauld About Us Advertise Directory History Local Information Our sister sites Newswire
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 A PARTNERSHIP between North Lanarkshire Council and Mears is delivering one of the best housing repairs services in Britain, which is leading the way; delivering more modern, accessible, caring and responsive services, through the use of modern technology.
Tenants can report necessary repairs using their digital TV, computer or smartphone, while staff can now work directly from tenants' homes, through the use of their hand-held tablet devices.
The use of the new technology means that tenants see immediate repairs, identification and instruction, giving them the re-assurance that officers know, first-hand, what the problem is and that everything is being done to complete the repair as soon as possible. Meanwhile, staff can complete repair requests on the spot and progress works at the touch of a button, meaning a smoother repair services for the council and for tenants.
"The Chartered Institute of Housing states that the standard of an area's repair service has the biggest impact of the quality of life for the majority of tenants and we understand this priority," Councillor Jim McCabe, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, commented.
"As the largest local authority landlord in Scotland, servicing over 36,000 homes, we take our responsibilities seriously. It's our duty to maintain our homes but we must also make sure our tenants enjoy an improved living standard. That's why we've made significant changes to our repairs service, such as introducing further repairs by appointment and making best use of the very latest mobile technology. These are delivering results. We're carrying out more repairs on time and on target and improving services for our tenants."
Modernisation of the authority’s repairs service has been underway over the past two years, and when complete, the re-structure of the service will see:
Cllr McCabe continued: "Mears fully qualified staff will wear their new 'Local Homes' uniform with pride and together with the vehicle livery on their vans, will become more visible and recognisable across communities.
"Our aim is to be the best. And I believe we can achieve this."
Councillor Sam Love, Convener of Housing and Social Work Services added: "Our tenants are at the heart of our modern repairs service and are the focus for everything we do. An exciting future lies ahead for the partnership and it's one that I'm sure will continue to grow and develop, meeting the needs of our tenants while improving and maintaining council homes."
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