As lockdown eases, ODS resumes full home repairs service
ODS has fully restarted its council home repairs service after non-urgent repairs had to be suspended during lockdown.
While ODS continued to provide a repairs service right through lockdown, some less urgent repairs could not be carried out due to the restrictions of the Covid regulations. But even during the lockdown period ODS staff rose to the challenge and were able to carry out non-urgent external work, like fixing fencing, that were low-risk to staff, council tenants and customers.
ODS has now resumed its full repairs service. This includes its planned work programme, which includes large scale projects such as boiler installation, kitchens, and bathrooms. The teams are also set to quickly deal with repairs that could not be carried out during lockdown.
ODS were additionally able to finish the financial year with 100 per cent of the necessary gas safety checks undertaken in Oxford City Council’s housing stock. That’s a remarkable achievement given that they were operating under challenging conditions.
Paul Concannon Director of Property Services at ODS said: “I want to thank ODS staff for their commitment and significant efforts in ensuring that all of our housing repair services have resumed and for going above and beyond during lockdown. They exemplify the ODS core value of doing good for council tenants and for our community.
“Despite the challenges of Covid our dedicated workforce went the extra mile and continued to deliver the essential services to council tenants and our customers.”
Customers need have no concern for their own Covid safety when the ODS repairs team visits. When carrying out repairs in residents’ homes, they will work to high Covid-secure standards including wearing PPE, maintaining social distancing and sanitising areas when they have finished work. While they are working it is important that residents also follow the advice on social distancing and keep clear of the work.
ODS has produced a video to show customers what to expect when one of their operatives calls to carry out repairs: https://youtu.be/ihKluyS-33Y
Mr Concannon added: “Our customers can be assured that ODS will operate according to highly effective Covid-secure health and safety standards when they carry out work in homes ensuring that everyone, staff and customers, are safe.”
ODS is now taking bookings for all council home repairs. To book a repair contact 01865 249811 or visit www.oxford.gov.uk/repairmyhouse
