WORK servicing heating in Powys council houses has been handed over over to a new contractor after a decline in the existing operator's service.

Powys Council has issued a "step-in" notice against Heart of Wales Property Services, meaning it won't be providing gas servicing during March or April while it attempts to address the problems that led to the decision.

The company is a joint venture between the council and outsourcing business Kier Facilities Services, and its purpose is to maintain the housing, public and commercial buildings looked after by the council.

Several members of the PCC cabinet and senior staff are directors on the HOWPS board.

The problems emerged in a question put to the council's cabinet by Labour group leader Mathew Dorrance.

He asked: “Why has the council failed to properly protect tenants, what is it doing to put the problem right and how can our tenants have confidence in the Council to make sure they are not put at risk?”

James Evans, the council's portfolio holder for economic development, housing and regulatory services, said there had been a "drop in service delivery" when the way gas servicing is delivered was changed.

“This was identified and officers have been working with HOWPS and senior Kier officers to deliver urgent progress," he said.

“When performance was not improving as quickly as required, we took the decision to issue a step-in notice to HoWPS in terms of heating servicing.

“As a result, the council will directly commission all heating servicing due for renewal in the months of March and April."

Contractor Robert Heath Limited will carry out the work in the meantime.

“This will allow HOWPS time to embed improved processes and systems work to reinstate the two month buffer required,” Mr Evans added.

Cllr Evans said if HOWPS meet the improvement targets – a “step out” notice will be issued and the service returned to normal.

“The council took decisive and swift action when performance dropped below acceptable levels and tenants can be assured that their well-being is our highest priority,” said Mr Evans.