The strategic housing service provided by Herefordshire Council is 'fair' with '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 service a 'fair' one-star rating. The Council works well with others to build new homes in the county, including many that are affordable. And its mortgage rescue scheme is helping to prevent people from becoming homeless. But some disabled people are waiting longer than necessary for adaptations to their homes, and the Council has difficulty managing the risks associated with houses in multiple occupation.
Deborah Good, the Audit Commission's Lead Housing Inspector for the West Midlands, said:
'The range of services we inspected showed a mix of strengths and weaknesses, but Herefordshire Council displays self-awareness and a genuine desire to improve. It has a good reputation for delivering improvements in priority areas. As meeting housing need is a priority for the Council, we believe that the future for the housing service looks promising.'
Strengths include:
- Homelessness is being reduced, and fewer people are being placed in unsettled, temporary accommodation
- More affordable homes are being built in rural areas to provide homes for local people
- The Council is working with health and social services to help vulnerable residents reduce fuel bills and keep warm
- A wider range of housing options is being provided for people with support needs, such as older people and people with learning disabilities
Weaknesses include:
- Progress in meeting the housing needs of gypsies and travellers has been slow. The Council cannot show that its strategic housing service meets the needs of all parts of the community
- Risks associated with houses in multiple occupation and poor private sector housing conditions are not being managed effectively
- The Council has only just started to understand and improve the value for money provided by the strategic housing service
Copies of the report are available from Herefordshire Council or on the Audit Commission website.
Notes to editors
- Herefordshire Council transferred the ownership and management of its housing stock to Herefordshire Housing Ltd in 2002. The Council's remaining strategic housing functions include: housing advice and homelessness; identifying and meeting housing needs; and managing the condition of existing homes.
- 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 more information please contact Eric Ludlow on 0844 798 4183