BASILDON MP James McMurdock has called on the borough's council to 'get a grip' on its social housing repairs programme.

Last month the council said it will cut its links with contractor Morgan Sindall, which deals with repairs and maintenance for the council's housing, with council leader Cllr Gavin Callaghan saying residents had been left "frustrated" with the firm's repair service.

That frustration is shared by Mr McMurdock, but he expresses the sentiment related to the council itself.

He says: "It came as no surprise to me when Basildon Council announced potential future changes to their repairs contract. Since being elected, I have seen countless examples of poor repair management, leaving council tenants and leaseholders living in unacceptable conditions."

"Mould and damp not being treated within acceptable timescales by Basildon Council is a frequent issue raised by my constituents.

"This is particularly worrying when the affected residents suffer from serious health conditions that make them especially vulnerable to such environments.

"We've encountered several cases of leaks from external defects being left unrepaired for weeks, and in some instances, even months.

"One housing association tenant, for example, was left without proper repairs for months and ultimately required an entirely new bathroom due to repeated failures by Basildon Council to identify and fix the damage to the wider building they were responsible for.

"We are seeing serious electrical and water issues being left unresolved for weeks, leaving residents without access to a functioning kitchen or bathroom."

"Repeated failures by contractors to attend scheduled appointments are a common source of frustration, especially for residents who are forced to take time off work for visits that never happen.

"What is most concerning is that these problems are often reported, go through two stages of the complaints process, and even reach the Ombudsman. Yet, we still see no evidence of the Council taking control of these cases or resolving them effectively.

"Changing contractors may be part of the solution, but I fear we will see no improvement until the Council learns to manage these contracts, and their relationships with partners, professionally and efficiently.

"Across Basildon's housing department, whether it's repairs or homelessness, we are seeing disarray, chaos, and appalling customer service. Basildon residents are the ones suffering as a result of these failings, and the Council must get a grip."

In September Cllr Callaghan said: "I can confirm that when the contract with Morgan Sindall expires next June, Basildon Council will not be renewing it. We will be looking to bring the service back in-house and work will start on this immediately."

In April 2016 Morgan Sindall Property Services (MSPS) signed a £300m deal to repair the council's housing stock and corporate buildings for up to 15 years. Under the deal the council has the option to renew the contract after 10 years to bring it up to the full 15-year period.

Cllr Callaghan added: "When I took back control of this council last May, it was clear that we had inherited a housing service that simply was not fit for purpose."

A spokesperson for MSPS said: "We are proud to have delivered the repairs and maintenance contract for Basildon Borough Council since 2016.

"Our priority now is to maintain our service to residents, alongside keeping employees, contractors and other stakeholders informed until the new arrangements are in place."

The council says it is now looking to replace Morgan Sindall with local traders.