The services provided by A1 Housing Bassetlaw are 'good' with 'promising prospects' for further 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 organisation, which manages Bassetlaw District Council's housing stock, a 'good' two-star rating. The report shows that A1 Housing maintains a strong focus on frontline services, such as day-to-day repairs, gas servicing and supported housing. It also offers a wide-ranging and innovative selection of ways for residents to be involved. It has improved since the Commission's last inspection in 2007, when it also received two stars, but is not yet performing at an 'excellent' three-star level.
Martin Palmer, Head of Housing and Economic Development for the Audit Commission's central region, said:
'A1 Housing has continued to work effectively to meet residents' needs. It has made good progress in improving properties to meet the decent homes standard as well as increasing their energy efficiency. It provides an effective repairs service and estates are generally well maintained. Services are generally easy for customers to access, despite the dispersed and rural nature of much of the stock.'
Strengths include
- Good progress in improving properties to meet the decent homes standard and in increasing energy efficiency.
- Repairs are carried out efficiently and all properties have current gas safety certificates.
- Customers now have more choice in allocations through choice-based lettings, and the number of hard-to-let properties has been reduced.
- Sheltered housing schemes and other supported housing services are of a high standard.
- Complaints are dealt with promptly and used to improve services.
Weaknesses include:
- The quality of some telephone advice is unsatisfactory and calls can take too long to be answered.
- The approach to supplying aids and adaptations to residents needs to be improved.
- Some community centres are not being used effectively.
Recommendations include:
- Improving the speed and quality of telephone answering as well as the design and content of A1 Housing's website.
- Providing residents with accurate information on future decent homes work at the earliest possible stage.
- Working more effectively with occupational therapists to provide aids and adaptations promptly.
- Working with the Council to process new housing registrations promptly.
- Reviewing the allocations policy with customers and the wider community.
- Ensuring that all staff receive performance appraisals and that appropriate training is provided.
Notes to editors
- Set up in 2004, A1 Housing Bassetlaw manages 6,942 tenanted properties and 156 leaseholder properties on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council. It was paid £10,662,000 for doing this in 2010/11 and employs the equivalent of 202 full-time employees.
- 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, Communications Manager for Central and Eastern England on 0844 798 4183.