Audit Commission

Council tenants receive a 'fair' service from Luton Borough Council and there are 'promising 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 Council a 'fair' one-star rating for the way it runs and manages its housing stock. Widespread changes over the last three years have led to improvements in many parts of the service. There are a number of changes that still need to be made, but the Council has plans in place to achieve them.

Mark Elsworth, Audit Commission senior manager, said:
'The changes made by the Council over the last three years have enhanced the appearance of its estates, as well as improving the way repairs are undertaken and how anti-social behaviour is being managed. But more needs to be done. For example by making it easier for tenants to get in touch with the Council, improving the collection of rent arrears and helping tenants with disabilities to remain independent by adapting their homes.'

Strengths include:

• Repairs are completed quickly and to a high standard
• Estates are clean and well cared for
• Anti-social behaviour is dealt with quickly and effectively

Weaknesses include:

• The Council does not have a complete understanding of its tenants’ needs and so cannot change the way services are delivered to meet those needs
• It is not possible to make an appointment for repairs
• The Council does not measure or monitor its own performance in some key areas

Recommendations include:

• Working with tenants to develop a way of monitoring and measuring performance
• Gathering more information about tenants’ needs
• Ensuring that all income due to the Council is collected

Notes to editors

1. Luton Borough Council owns and manages 8,200 properties. The housing service employs 311 people and has a budget of £31.4 million. The inspection looked at the way the Council manages its homes, its housing income and its estates.
2. The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
3. 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.
4. 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.