The landlord service provided by Bracknell Forest Homes is 'good' and has 'excellent' prospects for improvement according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission.
The Audit Commission inspection team gave the service two stars out of a possible three because services are customer focused and homes are being quickly improved to a high standard. Gas servicing is done well and Bracknell Forest Homes is good at collecting rent and managing anti-social behaviour. Importantly, vulnerable residents get strong support to help them continue living in their own homes. However, the housing association needs to improve its work on external maintenance of homes periodic electrical tests and demonstrating value for money.
Julie Watts, Lead Housing Inspector for the Audit Commission, said:
'It is good to see such strong progress from a housing association that only began to manage local housing stock two years ago. There are clear signs that Bracknell Forest Homes has a strong focus on residents and will continue to work to improve services for local people.'
Inspectors found:
- satisfaction with services is high and improving;
- homes are being improved faster than was originally envisaged and improvement and repair work is of a high standard;
- there is effective help available for vulnerable people to help them live in their own homes; and
- there is good quality housing management with action taken to reduce nuisance.
To help the service improve, inspectors made a number of recommendations, including:
- improve how the housing association tackles access, equality and diversity;
- improve performance in key areas including some aspects of health and safety; and
- improve value for money for residents.
Bracknell Forest Homes is based in Bracknell. It was set up to take over responsibility for Bracknell Forest Council housing, which was transferred in February 2008. Bracknell Forest Homes owns and manages 5,575 rented homes and 1,069 leased homes with the largest concentration in Bracknell. The housing stock consists of a mix of houses, bungalows, low-rise flats and one high-rise block at Point Royal which is a listed building. There are 11 sheltered housing schemes, which consist of 380 homes for older residents.
Copies of the report are available from Bracknell Forest Homes or on the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk
Notes to editors
- The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
- 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.
- On 13 August 2010 the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government announced that he plans to disband the Audit Commission. His intention is to have new arrangements in place for auditing England's public bodies by 2012/13.
For more details about the role of the Audit Commission visit www.audit-commission.gov.uk
For more information or a copy of the report, please contact Callum Collins, Regional Communications Manager (South of England) at The Audit Commission on 0844 798 8844 or ca-collins@audit-commission.gov.uk