The strategic housing services provided by Cheshire East Council are 'fair' and have '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 Council a 'fair', one star rating. Housing is prioritised to meet residents' needs and the long-term aspirations of the council, partners' and community.
Riza Yassin, Audit Commission Lead Housing Inspector in the North, said:
'Cheshire East Council has come a long way in the past year. It is building a better understanding of housing needs and influencing what happens to improve the overall housing situation. Further work is needed to make sure that improvements to existing housing are encouraged and that the Council is reaching all sections of its community.'
Inspectors found strengths including:
- a clear vision for housing supported by strong local partnerships;
- positive leadership that promotes strategic housing objectives and tackles opposition; and
- an effective approach to preventing homelessness and supporting those in housing need.
Weaknesses include:
- An approach to private sector housing that is in its infancy and has not yet led to significant improvements.
- The Council's equality and diversity strategy has only recently been developed and has had little impact on service delivery.
- There is not suitable housing provision for all people living in rural areas.
To help the service improve, inspectors made a number of recommendations. These include:
- further developing plans to focus on improving in priority areas;
- establishing systems to ensure housing services are delivered consistently; and
- improving benchmarking to ensure a comprehensive assessment of performance and value for money.
Copies of the report are available from Cheshire East Council or from the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk
Notes to editors
- Cheshire East is located between Manchester to the north in the market towns of Macclesfield, Congleton, Nantwich, Knutsford, Sandbach and the industrial town of Crewe.
- The population of Cheshire East is 362,700 (2009) and is increasing. Most people enjoy a good standard of living but there are pockets of deprivation in the urban areas. It is an ageing population and this will have implications for housing, health and social care provision.
- The level of owner occupation is higher, at 81.5 per cent, than the national average of 69 per cent. However homes are not affordable for people on low incomes, particularly near Manchester and in rural areas of the borough.
- 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 a copy of the full report or for further information please contact: David Rose, Regional Communications Manager - Northern on 0844 798 6654 or d-rose@audit-commission.gov.uk