SCHOOL caretakers say they are being forced to live in sub-standard houses because of a who- does-what row over repairs.
They say they can't get anyone to take responsibility for work that is needed in their homes.
The caretakers are employed by support service firm Jarvis as part of its facilities management contract with Kirklees Schools Services Ltd (KSSL).
Jarvis is responsible for maintenance at 19 Kirklees schools, which the firm refurbished in a £50m public private partnership scheme.
KSSL was set up by Jarvis, Kirklees Council and Barclays Bank to manage the scheme.
But Jarvis recently sold its shares in KSSL to investment company Secondary Market Infrastructure Fund.
Now caretakers say the changes have left them confused about who to turn to over their homes.
One Jarvis caretaker, who did not want to be named, said: "We're having to live in poor sub-standard housing.
"One of the caretakers has to start filling his bath half an hour before he get in because the boiler system needs replacing.
"Jarvis has promised to do it over two years ago. He is still waiting."
He said caretakers had complained to Jarvis and Kirklees Council, which owns all the houses, about the problems, but nothing has been done.
A spokesman for Jarvis said that since selling its shares in KSSL, it was simply a contractor carrying out facilities management services and working within overall control of KSSL.
Therefore, he said, caretakers should approach KSSL about the housing.
A spokesman for Secondary Market Infrastructure Fund, which bought the Jarvis shares, said:
"The KSSL responsibility is discharged through Jarvis.
"Therefore, currently Jarvis are responsible for maintenance. In the event they fail to comply with those obligations, KSSL are responsible."
Mike Forster, chief education steward for Kirklees Unison, said:
"It remains a matter of dispute as to who is responsible for the upkeep of the houses.
" We can't get a clear explanation of what's happening. The whole thing is a mess."
