The housing management service provided by Great Yarmouth Community Housing (GYCH) is 'fair' although prospects for improvement are 'uncertain' according to a report published today by the independent Audit Commission.
On a scale of zero to three stars, Audit Commission inspectors gave the organisation, which manages over 6,000 homes for the Borough Council, a fair, one-star rating. Some aspects of its service, such as repairs and income management, meet the needs of customers well. But performance is weaker in areas like call handling, responses to complaints, gas checks and value for money.
Mark Elsworth, Audit Commission Lead Housing Inspector for the East of England, said:
'It's a mixed picture for customers. Work being done in neighbourhoods to assess customers' needs and to tailor services to meet those needs is a positive move. But GYCH will want to focus closely on the recommendations in our report to ensure that all areas consistently achieve high standards.'
Strengths include:
- Routine repairs and those to empty properties prior to re-letting are done promptly and to a reasonable standard.
- Customers in rent arrears are given help to find welfare and financial advice.
- Staff are helpful and responsive.
Weaknesses include:
- Too many properties have outstanding gas safety checks.
- More needs to be done to provide value for money.
Recommendations include:
- Improving performance management arrangements so that weaker areas are identified and targeted for improvement.
- Comparing performance with that of other organisations to improve value for money.
- Improving gas safety checks by monitoring contracts more closely and reviewing the actions taken if gaining access to homes proves difficult.
Copies of the report are available from GYCH or from the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk
Notes to editors
- GYCH was set up in 2007 to manage Great Yarmouth Borough Council's 6,090 homes. It employs 74 full time equivalent staff, with responsive repairs, works to empty properties and annual gas safety checks being carried out by external contractors.
- 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.auditcommission.gov.uk
For more information or for a copy of the report contact Eric Ludlow on 0844 798 4183