Audit Commission

The strategic housing services provided by Craven District Council are 'fair' with 'uncertain' prospects for improvement, according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission.

On a scale from zero to three stars the Audit Commission inspection team gave the service a one star, 'fair' rating. This is because the Council is performing well in some areas including affordable housing and returning empty properties to use. However there are still a significant number of areas to improve including ensuring fair and equal access to all, and value for money in service delivery.

Although the service has a positive track record of delivering improvements, there are 'uncertain' prospects for the future, because there are concerns over the future capacity of the Council to continue to support this rate of improvement and to meet future increases for demand in the service.

Yvonne Davies, the Audit Commission's Head of Housing and Regeneration for the North, said:
'Craven has demonstrated in recent years its commitment to improving the approach to strategic housing by responding well to previous inspection recommendations. The council is focused on increasing affordable housing provision and improving standards of housing. However, further work is needed to ensure the service meets the needs of the whole community whilst delivering value for money.'

Inspectors found strengths including:

• local people have good access to services across homelessness, housing options and strategic housing
• close working with partners to improve the way services are delivered and to help meet targets including homelessness prevention work, the provision of affordable homes, bringing empty homes back into use and improving the energy efficiency of the homes of some vulnerable people

Weaknesses include:

• the council’s approach to equality and diversity is under developed and the service cannot demonstrate it is treating everyone fairly, with gaps in the knowledge of housing needs for some particular groups
• the council cannot demonstrate services are providing value for money, and limited action has been taken to improve value for money

To help the service improve, inspectors made a number of recommendations, including:

• improving the approach to equalities and diversity such as better use of translation straplines on information, and identifying and removing barriers to accessing services
• strengthening the focus on access to services and customer care, including reviewing the complaints procedure and ensuring learning from complaints, and by improving ease of access to disabled facilities grants
• improving the quality of the strategic housing approach by filling gaps in the housing need and stock condition information and considering options to resolve the temporary accommodation issues

Craven District Council covers 450 square miles and is predominately rural with two thirds within the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The Council employs 313 staff. The Strategic Housing Team, with nine officers, has responsibility for delivery of the housing strategy and housing enforcement. The housing stock transferred to Craven Housing in March 2003. Craven Housing is also responsible for delivery of housing options and homeless services.

Notes to editors

1. The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
2. Our work across local government, health, housing, community safety and fire and rescue services means that we have a unique perspective. We promote value for money for taxpayers, auditing the £200 billion spent by 11,000 local public bodies.
3. As a force for improvement, we work in partnership to assess local public services and make practical recommendations for promoting a better quality of life for local people.
4. Further details about the role of the Audit Commission can be obtained from - http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk