West Lindsey District Council's strategic housing service is 'fair' and has '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, which deals with issues such as housing advice and homelessness, a 'fair' one-star rating. The service was previously inspected in June 2009 when it was given a 'poor', zero-star rating with 'uncertain' prospects for improvement. The new report shows that the Council has addressed issues raised during the previous inspection and has started to make the changes and improvements that were recommended.
Ann Bennett, the Audit Commission's Lead Housing Inspector for the East Midlands, said:
'West Lindsey has done well in areas that matter to local people. It has improved the supply and range of new and affordable housing as well as making it easier for customers to get information, help and support on housing issues. There are still a few key areas where it has been slower to improve. These include taking account of local people's views on housing matters, and consistently having the right information on which to base its housing decisions. But the Council has these issues in hand, and we have every confidence that it will continue to improve its strategic housing service.'
Strengths include:
- Services are accessible, with a range of good quality information available to residents.
- The Council is reducing homelessness and has put fewer families into temporary accommodation.
- It is working well with partners to ensure that housing issues are tackled on a county-wide basis.
Areas for improvement include:
- improving the number of empty homes that are put back in use; and
- ensuring that services meet local demand.
Recommendations include:
- ensuring that the Council and its partners look at their socially rented homes to see if they are over or under occupied, then take action as necessary;
- ensuring that empty homes are returned to use; and
- making sure that the disabled facility grants service meets the needs of vulnerable households quickly and efficiently.
Copies of the report are available from West Lindsey District Council or from the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk
Notes to editors
- West Lindsey District Council's strategic housing service has responsibility for housing advice and homelessness. It also manages grant aid and works with housing associations and developers to improve the supply of housing.
- 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 for a copy of the report, contact Eric Ludlow on 0844 7098 4183.