00:00Birmingham City Council says all of its homes will meet national decent home standards by the year 2032,
00:08amid ongoing criticism over the condition of parts of its housing stock.
00:13The Labour-run authority says thousands of tenants are already benefiting from a long-term investment programme
00:19designed to bring properties up to the government's minimum standard.
00:23That standard requires social housing to be safe, in a reasonable state of repair, and fitted with modern facilities.
00:32Council leaders say further progress is planned, with full compliance targeted within the next six years.
00:39They point to more than £622 million invested since 2024, as the driving force behind the improvements.
00:48Despite this, opposition councillors say the pace of change is still too slow.
00:53They argue that many residents continue to live in homes that fall short of expectations,
00:58in that repairs and upgrades are taking too long to complete.
01:02Labour councillors defend the programme, saying safe, warm housing is essential for residents' wellbeing.
01:09They say investment has already led to lower energy bills for some tenants,
01:13improved safety standards and upgrades such as new kitchens, bathrooms, windows and heating systems.
01:20However, they acknowledge there is still significant work to do.
01:23Residents have previously raised concerns about cold homes and feelings of insecurity in some homes.
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