The strategic housing services provided by Copeland Borough Council are 'poor' and have 'poor prospects for improvement', according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission following an inspection in October 2009.
On a scale from zero to three stars, the Audit Commission inspection team gave the service a zero star rating. This was because local people's need for new and suitable housing has not been met and some of the key housing services are not performing well.
Riza Yassin, the Audit Commission's Lead Housing Inspector for the North West, said:
'Copeland, like many smaller councils, has found it difficult to deliver the high quality service that local people deserve. While there is still much to do, some housing services are improving and the Council needs to ensure that this momentum is maintained and applied consistently across all services.'
The inspectors found a number of weaknesses:
- there is limited understanding of local housing markets and people's housing needs and the service does not have an effective strategy to tackle the situation
- regulation of the private rented sector is weak
- empty homes are not returned back into use effectively
- not enough new affordable housing has been built, especially in rural areas
- the housing service has been slow to improve equality and diversity and value for money
The inspectors did, however, identify some strengths:
- strong work on preventing homelessness has helped many residents
- a new home renewal policy and quicker processing times for assistance are helping vulnerable people
- resources have been targeted to areas where they are most needed in line with priorities.
- a restructure in organisational arrangements, better corporate working practices and external partnerships provides a sound platform for improving services
To help the service improve, inspectors made a number of recommendations, including:
- the service needs to understand its customers better and involve them more in shaping future services
- developing strategic plans with clear targets to address the housing needs of specific diverse groups
- develop and implement integrated housing and planning strategies for the area
- work more effectively with housing associations and other partners
- do more to ensure it is delivering value for money
Notes to editors
- Copeland Borough Council transferred its housing stock in 2004 to Copeland Homes, which is part of the Home Group and the largest registered housing association in the area.
- There were 2,500 households on the combined housing waiting list in 2008/09; the total housing association lettings amounted to just 436 in that period. Numbers on waiting lists have more than doubled since 2008. The Council reports that 574 privately owned dwellings have been vacant for more than six months.
- There are just over 26,000 privately owned homes in the borough, 67 per cent of which meet the requirements of the Decent Homes Standard. Rates of disrepair, thermal comfort and the average energy efficiency rating are all below national average. Almost 4,500 private sector households are in fuel poverty.
- The private rented sector in Copeland represents just over five per cent of the total private housing stock. The average cost of a house in Copeland in 2009 was £123,000, and, in 2006, it was identified as the most affordable district in England. Over 60 year-olds account for 23.5 per cent of the local population.
- 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, auditing the £200 billion spent by 11,000 local public bodies. 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.
For further information please contact: David Rose, Regional Communications Manager (Northern) Tel: 0844 798 6654 Email: d-rose@audit-commission.gov.uk