General Notes to Using the Availability Standards74
Authorities using this template output specification should note the following:
• This Annex is intended to deal with all repairs that would ordinarily be classed as "Emergency" or "Urgent", leaving only "Routine" repairs to be dealt with under Annex III.
• If the scheme is new build only, then the Authority should delete the following:
o The column entitled "Interim Standard" and references to it in the preamble to this Annex;
o References akin to "where the structure or tenant permits" in Availability Standards 29, 33, 34 in Part I of this Annex;
o References to "separate provision" in Availability Standards 38, in Part I of this Annex; and
o Availability Standard 39, 67 in Part I of this Annex.
• If the scheme will definitely not75 contain leaseholders either immediately or at any point in the future (for example, there is no flatted accommodation), then the Authority should delete the following:
o The column entitled "Leaseholder Standard" and references to it in the preamble;
o References to "communal areas" in Availability Standards 43, 47 in Part I of this Annex;
o Availability Standards 4, in Part I of this Annex; and
• If the scheme will definitely not contain any new build PFI housing, then it should delete the following:
o Availability Standard 68 in Part I of this Annex.
• The rectification periods in this Annex represent a general standard derived from previous HRA and non-HRA schemes. The Authority should review these for appropriateness in their individual scheme, having regard to issues such as:
o Location, and the supply chains ability to meet the timescales whilst retaining vfm; and
o Geographical spread of units.
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74 This page is guidance only for Authorities and should be deleted prior to issue.
75 If there is any doubt then these sections should be retained.