New contract with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council

Axis has been awarded a new contract with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council.

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council based in the West Midlands established a major Housing Adaptations and Improvements Framework.

The framework identified and appoint three contractors to provide a 3 + 1-year term service for three areas within the borough: Wednesbury/West Bromwich (Area A); Tipton and Rowley Regis (Area B) and Oldbury/Smethwick (Area C). Axis was invited to tender for the Provision of Major Adaptations and Improvement Works after being invited on to the framework. Our tender was successful and we were awarded Area B.

Adaptation Works

The range of adaptation works within this programme includes providing ramped access to dwellings; bedroom and shower room extensions and the installation of Level Access Showers (LAS) including removal of existing baths (BOSI, Bath Out Shower In) and redecoration and tiling as well as installation of toilets and hand basins.

Typically, the value for adaptations to a dwelling ranges from £1,000 to £50,000. Typically, the value for BOSI or LAS for any individual property can range from £2,000 to £6,000.

Adaptations are funded through the Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council’s Disabled Facilities Grant Programme and enable the Council’s clients to remain living independently in their own homes. The adaptations programme covers all housing tenures. Sandwell Home Improvement Agency currently manages the grant application programme and specifies the works required.

Axis was able to show extensive skills and expertise in these specialist schemes of works. We deliver aids and adaptations work for a number of clients including Riverside Group (sheltered housing / supported living, intensive care units); Swan Housing Group (sheltered housing / supported living, intensive care units) Merston – a leading provider in Assisted Living Accommodation for elderly and vulnerable individuals (Planned improvement and alteration works) and London Borough Tower Hamlets (aids and adaptions for disabled residents).

Our Services, delivered to a variety of housing types, for these clients include: providing ramped access to dwellings; installation of LAS and bedroom and shower room extensions.

Improvements Works

The scope of Improvements Works within the new contract with Sandwell includes improvements and repairs to homes (including urgent repairs) to ensure residents have a safe, warm and healthy home that meets their needs.

Works include minor building/plumbing repairs, minor electrical repair or rewire, repairs to roofs, works to maintain the security of and safety in a property as well as extensive improvements such as roof replacements and extensions. Typically the value for improvements works for any individual property can range from £100 to £30,000.

About Sandwell

Sandwell is a metropolitan borough in the West Midlands comprising the six towns of Oldbury, Rowley Regis, Smethwick, Tipton, Wednesbury, and West Bromwich. Its designated Strategic Town Centre, Sandwell Council House (the headquarters of the local authority) is situated in Oldbury where Axis’ Midlands office is located.

Our new Major Adaptations and Improvement Works contract, as well as our existing Responsive Repairs, Voids and Plastering with Sandwell Metropolitan Council, are valued at £2.2m. Read about more of our housing sector projects, here.