Consultation on the communal cleaning of our council blocks of flats
Our tenant satisfaction survey said only 54% of those living in our blocks were happy with the cleanliness of communal areas.
We have listened to you and want to make where you live cleaner, greener, and more inviting.
We will be introducing a Housing Estates Service Standard Policy and contract to carry out communal cleaning of our council owned blocks of flats across the borough.
If you are living in a council owned block of flats with communal areas, such as stairways and bin stores, the cleaning costs* would be included in your service charge.
We want to know what is important to you when making these decisions.
We are consulting on this between 14 January to 3 February and would like to hear your views.
Take part in the consultation
To take part in the consultation:
- view the Housing Estates Standard and Policy
- complete the online survey using the link below before Tuesday 3 February.
Open the consultation
If you have any questions about this consultation, or would like a paper copy of the survey, email us at neighbourhoods@welhat.gov.uk, or call 01707 357 796.
Next steps
We will look at all responses to the consultation and take these into account before arranging a cleaning contract.
We will carry out a Section 20 consultation with leaseholders.
We are aiming to start cleaning blocks towards the end of 2026.
We will keep you updated via our website and newsletter.
*Charges for communal cleaning services
We are unable at this point to confirm what the service charge amount would be. We are gathering feedback to consider the options.
Charges for Tenants
As per your tenancy agreement, you may be charged for any services introduced to your block, these charges will be included on your rent letters.
Charges for Leaseholders
As per the terms of your lease, service charges are payable towards any service carried out within your block.
When introducing any new services, we are required to look at value for money when awarding contracts. You will be notified to any changes to your service charges through a Section 20 consultation.