North Tyneside Council provides 'fair' landlord services with 'promising' 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 Council a one star, 'fair', rating. Tenants can access services in a range of convenient ways and can influence how services are developed. Homes are being improved and estates are well maintained and provide safe places to live. However, it takes too long to complete repairs to relet empty properties. Gas safety checks of some homes are not completed on time.
Domini Gunn, Audit Commission Lead Housing Inspector, said:
'Services for tenants have improved since our last inspection in 2006. The Council has a better understanding of tenants’ needs and is delivering services in ways that meet those needs. It is easier for customers to access housing services and the costs of services are challenged to make sure that value for money is achieved. However, the pace of improvement has been slow in some areas and gas servicing, repairs to homes and the management of empty homes all need to improve.'
Inspectors found a number of strengths including:
- Extensive service standards agreed with tenants.
- Successful promotion of resident involvement, increasing take-up of opportunities to get involved.
- Most tenants living in decent homes with plans in place to redevelop unsustainable stock.
- Most repairs delivered through a choice of convenient two hour appointments.
- Aids and adaptations provided to tenants who need them.
- Choice-based lettings system that helps people find the home they need.
- Effective partnership working which has helped improve community safety and financial inclusion.
Inspectors found a number of weaknesses including:
- Customer enquiries rarely resolved at the first point of contact.
- Repairs taking too long to complete.
- Some homes without a valid gas safety certificate.
- Empty properties taking significantly too long to repair and allocate.
- Delays in registering people in housing need on to the housing waiting list.
The inspectors made a number of recommendations. These include:
- ensuring the health and safety of tenants, their households and the local community by carrying out gas safety checks effectively and on time;
- improving the number of customer enquiries that are resolved at the first point of contact; and
- completing repairs and reletting empty homes more quickly.
Copies of the report are available from North Tyneside Council or from the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk
Notes to editors
- North Tyneside Council has 15,619 tenanted homes and 700 homes occupied by leaseholders.
- 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 an embargoed copy of the full report please contact David Rose, regional communications manager (north of England) at the Audit Commission on 0844 798 6654 or d-rose@audit-commission.gov.uk