§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister (1) whether housing associations are obliged to stipulate that the sub-contractors are fully accredited and work to national standards; [104739]
(2) whether local government may ensure that housing association clients participate in the selection of building contractors chosen to perform work in their homes; [104740]
(3) what action (a) councils and (b) residents are able to take against sub-contractors of housing associations if their work is deemed substandard or unsafe. [104741]
§ Mr. McNultyHousing associations, like any independent businesses, are responsible for selecting building contractors to carry out work on their stock.
The Housing Corporation's 'regulatory code' requires all housing associations to comply with statutory regulations and sets out probity and procurement policies relating to the selection of contractors and consultants by housing associations. The code also requires housing associations to take account of feedback from tenants on any aspect of the service they receive. In addition housing associations must aim to deliver continuous improvements and value for money in their services, using best value techniques.
As with any services provided by housing associations, tenants may pursue complaints about work by sub-contractors through individual associations' formal complaints procedure, with recourse to the Independent Housing Ombudsman Service if they remain dissatisfied.