Midland Heart Housing Association has 'excellent prospects for improvement' according to the independent Audit Commission.
An earlier inspection of the Birmingham-based housing association had found that empty homes were being let more quickly and new tenants were happy with their homes. Residents were influencing the way services were provided in a number of ways. However, performance on gas safety checks, completing repairs and rent arrears was weaker but was improving.
Deborah Good, Audit Commission Lead Housing Inspector, said:
'Since our inspection report was published in January, Midland Heart has developed a comprehensive action plan that addresses all our findings. The plan was developed with customers and includes their suggestions for improvements. Together with strong leadership this has led us to assess Midland Heart's prospects for improvement as 'excellent'.
Notes to editors
- Midland Heart Housing Association was formed in April 2006 following the merger of Keynote and Prime Focus housing associations. It provides housing services mainly in Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Stoke on Trent and Wolverhampton but operates in 58 local authority areas in total. It manages around 27,868 homes, 6,700 care and support units (bed spaces and flats), offers homes for sale and also provides community investment services. The association employs 1,500 staff.
- The Audit Commission introduced short-notice inspections for housing associations to give inspectors a clearer and more realistic view of the services that tenants receive. The report for Midland Heart was published on the Audit Commission website on 7 January 2010.
- Within two months of publication of the initial report, housing associations have to provide the Audit Commission with a plan showing how they will implement the report's recommendations. The Commission then assesses and publishes their prospects for improvement.
- 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: Eric Ludlow, Regional Communications Manager (Central Region) on 0844 798 4183