Two stars unlock multi million pound funding for home improvements

Released: 8 November 2007

Wolverhampton Homes has been given a two star rating from the Audit Commission – which unlocks nearly £400m of funding to improve homes across the city.

The Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) was set-up in 2005 to manage Wolverhampton City Council’s housing. It has achieved a two star rating with promising prospects – highlighting how services have improved during the last year.

This means the money from the Government – due to be £288.2m supported by £100m from the council, will be available to start a city wide Decent Homes programme running from 2008 to 2012.

This financial year £14.4m will be available to improve around 3,000 homes.

This means tenants could see new kitchens, bathrooms, re-wiring, central heating and other internal and external improvements – giving them a home they can be proud of.

Lesley Roberts, chief executive Wolverhampton Homes, said: “This inspection result means a multi million pound investment into homes across the city – the most investment in council housing for three generations.

“This is such an important programme which will improve and upgrade thousands of homes across Wolverhampton. Our home is the most important place and I am absolutely thrilled that our tenants will see these major improvements.”

Inspectors said in the report: “There is a clear vision for the organisation and effective leadership from senior management and the board, relations between Wolverhampton Homes and the council are good.

“Improvement plans cover key issues for the service and performance management is strong. A clear customer service strategy is being delivered, local offices are being used effectively and performance at the organisation’s call centre is strong.

“There is a strong approach to diversity which is also influencing the delivery of services. A robust asset management strategy is guiding investment in properties and major works programmes are well managed with high levels of customer care.”

Wolverhampton Homes was also praised for its: -

• High quality customer information with services accessible through well located local offices, an effective call centre with some services available on a Saturday
• Grounds maintenance and cleaning services delivered effectively with a comprehensive concierge service in place
• Specific satisfaction surveys showing a high level of satisfaction
• Most responsive repairs are delivered promptly and by appointment
• Empty properties are being repaired to an agreed standard
•  Effective processes for rent collection, performance is strong and a dedicated debt advice service is now in place
• Clear policies for anti-social behaviour being delivered effectively with partners
• Estate services are comprehensive with pro-active evaluation processes in place
• Strong customer care in housing applications and recent performance on letting homes is positive
• Right to buy and leaseholder services are well managed and customer focused
• A strategic approach to Value for Money

Lesley Roberts, chief executive, added: “We are delighted with the result from the Audit Commission – mainly because of the funding we will be receiving for the Decent Homes programme.

“I must also point out the hard work of all our staff, the council, our tenants and leaseholders and our partners; we have worked together to go from strength the strength in the last year. But this is only the start – we have a lot of work still to do and we are prepared for the challenge.”

Councillor Pat Byrne, chair of Wolverhampton Homes board, said: “Every member of staff has contributed to this success, this hard work is testament to the organisation.

“Thank you to everyone for working so hard to make this happen, the hard work will now continue into the future.”

Councillor Peter Bilson, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, added: “This result will mean a great deal to very many people. The council and its tenants have had faith in Wolverhampton Homes, which is run by a separate board of directors, to achieve this fantastic success and being rewarded just two years after the organisation was established.

“This multi million pound investment into Wolverhampton needs to be highlighted and celebrated.

“The money will make a difference to so many people’s lives. I would like to echo Lesley’s comments about the improvements that have happened over the last year, everyone has worked so hard to make these a reality.”

The Audit Commission also highlighted areas for improvement which include IT services, making all offices fully accessible to people with disabilities, no publicised standards for the aids and adaptations service, high staff sickness levels and a number of areas where value for money cannot yet be demonstrated.

Lesley added: “These areas of improvement don’t come as a surprise, a lot of the issues raised are already being addressed. We have already been looking at our staff sickness levels and these are reducing month on month.

“We will continue to look at all of our services and provide continuous improvement to benefit our tenants and leaseholders. We have a strong base on which to build as we look forward to becoming excellent and achieving three stars.”

Ann Guest, chair of Wolverhampton Federation of Tenants Associations, said: “We were confident that Wolverhampton Homes would achieve this excellent result.

“We have worked closely in partnership especially on preparing for the Decent Homes programme and other projects, we have had an input into the quality of the kitchens and bathrooms and choosing the contractors - working together in partnership.

“Decent Homes will be a massive boost for tenants. Congratulations to everyone.”

Under the Decent Homes Programme the areas with the highest needs will be carried out first focusing on homes that need the majority of work. Homes that need less work will be done later in the programme.

Every home will be assessed to see what work needs to be carried out, some properties may only need some improvement work and others may not need any upgrading at all.

For more details on the Decent Homes programme please call 'Homes Direct' on 01902 556789. Copies of the programme are also available.  

Issued by the press office.