Corby Council Housing Scores One Star

24 May 2007

On a scale from zero to three the Audit Commission inspection team gave the service a 'fair' one-star rating. The increase from its earlier zero-star score is largely due to improved customer focus, better management and leadership and professional and courteous staff.

Leader of the council, councillor Pat Fawcett said: "The outcome is slightly disappointing given the consistently high levels of tenant satisfaction with the service we provide. However, we welcome the Audit Commission's recognition of the progress we are making and will respond positively to the areas for improvement identified in the report."

Ann Bennett, the Audit Commission's lead housing inspector for the East Midlands, said: "Management of the service has improved since our last inspection in 2005, and cross-authority working is delivering real benefits for tenants.

"The introduction of the One Stop Shop has improved quality in services for tenants, cleaning and grounds maintenance is generally of a high standard, and strong partnerships are being developed both internally and externally.

"There are weaknesses around the repairs service though and we still have concerns about the level of resident involvement."

Strengths include:

Access arrangements have improved and customers can contact the service through a variety of mechanisms;

Overall satisfaction with the council as a landlord has significantly increased;

There are improved service standards in place and an improved approach to meeting the diverse needs of the community;

Empty properties are in good condition and gas appliances are being properly serviced;

A planned maintenance programme ensures that improvements are carried out to tenants' homes;

Estates are clean and well maintained.

Areas for improvement include:

There is a large backlog of responsive repairs that are not being completed on time;

The council is amongst the worst in the country for the time taken to re-let properties and the length of time its properties remain empty;

The approach to value for money within the housing service is still under-developed.

Copies of the report are available from Corby Borough Council or on the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports