Grounds Maintenance and Cleaning Survey Results

Here is a summary of our recent survey results, which will help us shape our approach to the Grounds Maintenance and Cleaning contracts going forward. 

We are very grateful to everyone who made time to take part and share their views on how your estates are maintained. 

While a range of experiences and ideas were shared, we have summarised the main themes from across all responses below. If your individual response is not reflected, please be reassured that we are working to consider all feedback and ensure every voice contributes to shaping future services. 

Grounds Maintenance 

Average score for our current service: 2.86 / 5 

What you like about the service 

  • Regular grass cutting, leaf removal, and general tidying 
  • Some mention of friendly and hardworking staff 
  • Estates described as generally tidy and well maintained 
  • Issues that were raised 
  • Poor plant and landscape management, including lack of pruning, replanting, mulching, and weed control 
  • Neglected areas such as bare patches, unmaintained beds, and unmanaged trees 
  • Tree-related concerns including overgrowth, debris, root damage, and blocked light 
  • Litter and waste issues, including fly tipping, rubbish in bushes, and recycling facilities 
  • Contractor dissatisfaction, with repeated concerns about quality, skills, and standards 

Improvement suggestions you shared 

  • More planting, including flowers, shrubs, and trees, and greener landscaping overall 
  • Better professional horticultural practices, beyond basic mowing and strimming 
  • Increased frequency of services 
  • Greater resident involvement, particularly in community gardens and planting programmes 

Cleaning Services 

Average score for our current service: 2.77 / 5 

What you like about the service 

  • Some areas reported regular cleaning and visible staff presence 
  • Positive feedback about polite cleaners 
  • Certain blocks reported good general cleanliness and prompt litter removal 

Issues that were raised 

  • Inconsistent cleaning quality, including missed areas, superficial cleaning, and poor standards 
  • Cobwebs, dirt, and neglected surfaces 
  • Windows, walls, and stairwells not being cleaned thoroughly 
  • Poor bin management, including overflowing bins, fly tipping, bad smells, and pest concerns 
  • Gaps in communication and accountability, including limited reporting and monitoring 

Improvement suggestions you shared 

  • Bin storage, capacity, and recycling options 
  • Better supervision and quality checks 
  • More thorough cleaning practices, including use of fresh water and full surface coverage 
  • Clear schedules and greater transparency for residents 
  • Action to address fly tipping and littering 

Overall Takeaways 

Both services scored around 3 out of 5, with areas for improvement identified. 

The main themes were: 

  • Inconsistency in service delivery, with some blocks and areas performing better than others 
  • Lack of attention to detail and long-term upkeep 
  • A need for greater resident involvement in shaping services 
  • A desire to move from basic maintenance towards higher-quality, proactive management 

We are using your feedback to strengthen contract management, shape future service specifications, and support greater resident involvement in these services. 

Next Steps and Timeline 

Cleaning 

The Cleaning contract will be reviewed in March 2027. In the meantime, we are implementing improvements based on your feedback, which are due to be in place by August 2026.  

They are: 

Cleaning Improvements 

  • Contractor to invest in equipment – 10 x telescopic poles and cobwebs dust collectors to support with cobweb cleaning task 
  • The purchased of 1x cordless operated water fed window cleaning pole so that we can trial at Ethelred Estate for high reach window cleaning 
  • Disinfect Bin Chambers once a month 
  • Flies paper traps have been ordered to reduced flies around bin chambers 
  • Contractor to revise the Cleaning Schedule located in the Notice Boards, Print, Laminate and Erect (Some appear to be missing) 
  • Implement a resident led rating system to enable Block Ambassadors to comment on cleaning standards.  
  • Where there are communal balconies if residents wish the floor under their Front Door mat, to remove mat by 8am on the date of clean please 
  • Water used for main blocks on Ethelred Estate e.g. should be fresh bucket of water per floor.   
  • Improved waste management and recycling provision (including food waste) Lambeth Council have informed Watmos that the Food Recycling Process will be complete by December 2026.  Further information to residents to follow 
  • Fly-Tipping Policy to be Implemented with Lambeth and consultation with residents 

Grounds Maintenance Improvements 

  • More planting, including flowers, shrubs, and trees, and greener landscaping overall 
  • Better professional horticultural practices, beyond basic mowing and strimming 
  • Greater resident involvement, particularly in community gardens and planting programmes 

We are currently working to the following timeline for Grounds Maintenance. Please note that these timelines are provisional and may be subject to revision, including potential reduction or extension. 

Planning & Design 

Timeline
Planning & Design  JUN - AUG
Tendering (Publishing advert for the service)  AUG - SEP
Evaluation (Scoring & checks)  OCT - NOV
Awarding & Engaging with the new provider  NOV - JAN
Planned New Contract Start FEB

Thanks again for your time and effort sharing your experience and ideas.