Uttlesford District Council makes improvements in housing sector

UTLESFORD District Council’s strategic housing service has significantly improved its prospects for improvement, according to an independent report released by the Audit Commission.

On a scale from zero to three stars the Audit Commission inspection team gave the service a ‘fair’ one-star rating, with ‘promising’ prospects for improvement. An earlier inspection in January 2008 had rated it as ‘fair’ with ‘poor’ prospects for improvement.

This time inspectors found that the council had delivered good quality new affordable homes, and improved its approach to homelessness, but needs to improve its approach to improving the condition and use of housing in the private sector.

The council has significantly improved its financial position, and has the capacity to improve services in the future.

Head of housing services, Roz Millership, said: “We are pleased that the Audit Commission has recognised the significant improvements we have made in strategic housing and the good quality service we provide.

“It has concluded that we have promising prospects to improve even further and we will be considering all recommendations made following the inspection.

“Our housing staff work very hard and I would like to thank them for everything they have done to bring about this result.”

Audit Commission Lead Housing Inspector, Mark Elsworth, said: “Since our last inspection the council has significantly improved its financial position, as well as sustaining its delivery of new affordable homes and tackling homelessness.

“It is now a more stable organisation with clear leadership in place that should support it to deliver the improvements required, including the necessity to improve its approach to improvement planning and performance management.”

Copies of the report are available from Uttlesford District Council or on the Audit Commission website at audit-commission.gov.uk