Caretaker service launched

A new caretaker service has been launched to improve communal areas across all 276 Redditch Borough Council-managed housing blocks of flats.

The dedicated nine-member team now cleans fixtures, fittings, and hard-to-reach areas, maintains safety signage and noticeboards, and carries out weekly fire alarm and monthly emergency lighting checks. They also inspect for repairs and ensure fire exits are clear on every visit. 

The service was introduced after a decision by councillors earlier this year to overhaul outdated caretaking and cleaning services.

Previously, only 20% of blocks had regular caretaking and cleaning undertaken, with over 200 relying on ad-hoc services. Just 42% of residents had been satisfied with the upkeep of shared spaces, and the idea of introducing a new universal service gained support during summer Tenant Roadshows.

As part of the rollout the council has written directly to tenants and leaseholders living in these blocks to explain the service, outline what to expect, and share contact details.

Drop-in sessions have been organised to enable tenants and leaseholders to ask questions or give feedback.

Portfolio Holder for Housing, Cllr Bill Hartnett, said: “This is the latest reflection of our commitment to improvement and to listening to our residents. With almost three in five tenants previously dissatisfied with communal areas, we knew change was needed. Now the new team is in place and equipped to deliver that. By tailoring services to local needs and involving residents more, we aim to create cleaner, safer, and more welcoming shared spaces across all our blocks. Crucially, this also supports fire safety compliance.” 

The new service charge is £6.40 per week, less than most tenants paid under the previous limited service and is covered by Universal Credit or Housing Benefit for eligible tenants. For those who may struggle to pay, councillors have established a local Financial Support Fund, so please talk to your housing officer if you are going to have problems paying the service charge.

Cllr Hartnett added: “It’s all part of our ongoing drive to enhance our housing services in line with the Regulator of Social Housing’s consumer standards, particularly around safety, quality, and tenant engagement. We’ve also ensured support is in place to ease the introduction of what is a new charge for those who need it.”