Patsy McGlone 24th May 2012

Written Answer from the Minister for Social Development

Double-Glazing to Housing Executive Properties

Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster):  To ask the Minister for Social Development (i) why the fitting of double-glazing to Housing Executive properties has been suspended; (ii) how he came to this decision; and (iii) when the programme will recommence.

(AQW 11566/11-15)

Minister for Social Development:  The Housing Executive initially advised me that the costs of the double glazing programme, originally estimated at 48,000 homes, would be around £120m. As a result I became concerned that the Housing Executive’s specification for the supply and fitting of double glazing did not offer value for money and there may be potential for significant savings to be made. I asked my officials to research the specifications used as I was particularly concerned about the requirement to remove and replaster around frames, which necessitates the payment of redecoration grants and causes inconvenience to tenants and also the specification for hinges and handles, as these are much higher than industry standards for domestic properties.

I subsequently wrote to the Housing Executive’s Chief Executive asking him to rigorously and urgently review the specification for double glazing. This work will be completed before the Procurement Strategy is approved by the Housing Executive Board at the end of June. As part of the Housing Executive’s review I have agreed what category groups and schemes should now proceed and I have asked the Housing Executive to urgently write to all contractors to confirm the position.

While it is estimated that around 30,000 homes will be included in the double glazing programme, and this will be completed in the current CSR period, any delay will be as short as possible while the Housing Executive carries out the review requested by me.

ENDS