Dale and Valley Homes provides a 'good' service for its tenants with 'excellent prospects for improvement', according to a report released today by the independent Audit Commission.
On a scale of zero to three stars, Audit Commission inspectors gave the Wear Valley based Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) a two star, ‘good’, rating. Dale and Valley Homes continues to improve services for tenants, with most homes meeting ‘Decent Homes’ standards and responsive repairs being completed on time. Costs are reducing and the effective leadership should ensure continued improvement.
Domini Gunn, Audit Commission Lead Housing Inspector, said:
'Dale and Valley Homes' staff work with tenants to understand what is important for local people. Tenant satisfaction with services is high. Previous weaknesses identified in the inspection two years ago have been addressed and the organisation is working hard with tenants and contractors to improve all areas of its operation. Dale and Valley Homes is now part of the new unitary Durham County Council and is working with the council to improve its services to local people.'
Inspectors found a number of strengths including:
- customer information is of a high standard and easy to understand
- properties are in good condition with most meeting the Decent Homes standard
- responsive repairs are carried out quickly, usually by appointment
- vulnerable people are supported to keep their tenancies
- gas servicing regulations are met
- performance in rent collection is strong
- tenants have a say about Dale and Valley Homes' activities
There were some weaknesses including:
- a lack of consistent publicity on how to access services
- customers have not been widely consulted on recent changes
- appointment times for responsive repairs are limited to office opening hours and may not be convenient for all tenants
- anti-social behaviour cases are not recorded efficiently
The inspectors made a number of recommendations. These include:
- consulting tenants to ensure services are delivered in ways that meet their needs
- extending office opening times and offering a greater range of responsive repairs appointment time-slots
- improving understanding of how tenants want to be involved
- ensuring that anti-social behaviour cases are effectively recorded
Notes to editors
Dale and Valley Homes is an Arms Length Management Organisation set up by Wear Valley District Council in April 2006 to manage, repair and improve its housing stock of 4622 properties.
On 1st April 2009 the councils in County Durham were reorganised. All councils, including Wear Valley District Council were replaced by a new unitary council, Durham County Council. The Council pays a management fee of £5.9 million for 2009/10 to Dale and Valley Homes to provide housing management services.
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 David Rose at The Audit Commission on 0844 798 6654 or d-rose@audit-commission.gov.uk.