The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) has launched a new guide to repairs and maintenance that will help the sector improve performance and be more responsive to tenants.

The new Guide from the CIH, funded by the Housing Corporation and supported by Kier Group, will show how using new technologies to constantly monitor performance and deliver a better service can drive up customer satisfaction and improve overall performance.

Dave Sheridan, UK Managing Director of Kier Building Maintenance said: "It was important for us to work with CIH on this authoritative guide because repairs and maintenance of housing is the service that touches people the most. Any housing organisation aspiring to excellence must ensure its repair and maintenance programmes are of the highest standard as this is often where the people that matter will judge their housing service.


"This is something that CIH recognises and something that we are proud to say has helped our clients improve star ratings and gain the coveted 3 star status."

Richard Capie, CIH Director of Policy and Practice, said: "Efficiency in repairs and maintenance is about more than just improving services for tenants. Vast amounts of money are spent on repairs and maintenance by housing associations but operating costs can vary significantly between associations. In tough operating environments it is even more important to get these basics right, not only to deliver a better service to tenants but also as an important part of robust financial management."

(CD/JM)