The contract begins on 1 July 2022 and lasts for five years with the option to extend it for up to an additional five years. It covers the day-to-day responsive repairs and emergency repairs in residents' homes and in communal areas, void properties and out of hours call handling.
The new contract increases the availability of appointments and introduces extended working hours until 8pm Monday-Friday and between 8am – 4pm on Saturdays. THH will monitor the repairs contract against a set of strict performance targets to ensure Mears continues to deliver and improve the service provided to residents.
As part of the new contract Mears has made a commitment to appoint ten level-two apprentices and provide two graduate placements to people who live in the local community. The company has also committed to the creation of new community gardens as well as supporting the ongoing maintenance of these spaces. Additionally, Mears will support the redecoration and maintenance of some community buildings used and managed by Tenants and Residents Associations.
Residents can report their repairs in the usual way online through MyTHH or by telephone on 020 7364 5015.
Ann Otesanya, Interim Chief Executive, Tower Hamlets Homes said:
At the start of this procurement process we consulted with our residents to help us understand what they wanted to see from the repairs and maintenance service they receive. I am confident that the new contract with Mears delivers what our residents asked for and they will see an improved service delivered in a more flexible way. We have a long history of working with Mears and are confident that this new contract will help us to deliver great services.
Peter Baldwin, Managing Director, Mears Group Plc, added:
We are delighted to have been appointed to serve Tower Hamlets Residents and to continue our partnership with the community. We are committed to delivering an outstanding repairs service which is fit for the future and a service that both communicates effectively with Residents and listens and learns from feedback. Mears aim is to always be a safe pair of hands for our customers, and we are looking forward to supporting the THH vision to reinvent its repairs service for the future. We also place great emphasis on our engagement with communities and I particularly welcome the focus on social value activity and developing local employment opportunities through this ongoing partnership.
