Wokingham borough council has appointed Cardo Group as its new repairs and maintenance contractor, looking after 2,795 homes in the borough.
The five-year contract covers the council’s housing stock, as well as properties owned by its housing companies, Berry Brook Homes and Loddon Homes.
Mobilisation is already underway, with tenants starting to see Cardo and WBC dual-branded vans and uniformed staff in their neighbourhoods as services roll out.
As part of the contract, Cardo has made a range of commitments to the council and its tenants on how the repairs service will be delivered.
This includes a dedicated contact centre to make it easier to book repairs and speak to staff, regularly meeting with tenant volunteers to make sure tenant voices are heard, and using local suppliers to deliver works where possible.
In addition to delivering core services, Cardo also regularly supports social value initiatives in its communities, with staff dedicating their own time and resources to support local community projects.
This ranges from resident family-fun days to delivering work experiences and mock interview sessions for local schools and colleges and donating to local food banks and charities.
Over the coming weeks, Cardo will work closely with the council and its tenant volunteers to assess the service’s early performance and highlight opportunities for improvement.
Giorgio Framalicco, director of place and growth at Wokingham borough council, said: “After a thorough selection process, we’re delighted to welcome Cardo as our new repairs and maintenance partners.
“Cardo’s proven expertise and commitment to customer service will help us ensure that our tenants receive timely, high-quality repairs to keep their homes safe and comfortable.
“Cardo stood out for their focus on tenant engagement and community involvement.
“We look forward to working closely with them to continuously improve the repairs service and make sure tenants’ voices remain central to all decisions.”
James Cook, managing director at Cardo (South & Central), added:
“We’re proud to have been awarded the housing repairs and maintenance contract with Wokingham borough council.
“As a new client for Cardo, this partnership is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to delivering high-quality, responsive services across a diverse housing portfolio.
“Over the next five years, we’re focused on providing efficient, reliable support that enhances the quality of living for the residents we serve.
“Together, we look forward to building a sustainable future for the community and a strong, long-lasting partnership with Wokingham borough council.”
