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Housing department fails test of fairness, says council watchdog
Craven District Council's housing department cannot show it is treating everyone fairly, according to a critical report released today.
The independent Audit Commission inquiry found that the strategic housing services provided by the council are "fair" with "uncertain" prospects for improvement.
Inspectors found that the council cannot demonstrate services are providing value for money and that limited action has been taken to improve value for money.
They also concluded: "the council's approach to equality and diversity is under developed and the service cannot demonstrate it is treating everyone fairly, with gaps in the knowledge of housing needs for some particular groups."
The service is supposed to oversee the provision of social housing, ensure that affordable housing is built in the district, prevent homelessness wherever possible and to help homeless people where it is not.
On a scale from zero to three stars the Audit Commission inspection team gave the service a one star rating.
While it was found to be performing well in some areas – including affordable housing and returning empty properties to use – inspectors found a number of areas need to be improved, including ensuring fair and equal access to all and value for money in service delivery.
The Audit Commission's head of housing and regeneration for the North, Yvonne Davies, said: "Craven has demonstrated in recent years its commitment to improving the approach to strategic housing by responding well to previous inspection recommendations.
"The council is focused on increasing affordable housing provision and improving standards of housing.
"However, further work is needed to ensure the service meets the needs of the whole community whilst delivering value for money."
The report raised concerns over the future capacity of the council to meet future increases for demand in the service.
But inspectors found that local people have good access to services across homelessness, housing options and strategic housing.
Another plus point identified by inspectors was close working with partners to improve the way services are delivered and to help meet targets including homelessness prevention work, the provision of affordable homes, bringing empty homes back into use and improving the energy efficiency of the homes of some vulnerable people.
The report made a number of recommendations to the council including addressing temporary accommodation issues.
The council is expected to improve the approach to equalities and diversity such as better use of translation straplines on information, and identifying and removing barriers to accessing services.
It should also strengthen the focus on access to services and customer care, including reviewing the complaints procedure and ensuring it learns from complaints.
Craven District Council called the report "encouraging".
The local authority's lead member for developing and strengthening Craven's community, Richard Foster, said: "We are pleased that the Audit Commission recognised this council's strong focus on providing Craven people with good access to housing services.
"It is good to receive positive recognition but we won't be resting on our laurels as we continue to work with our partners to make more improvements."
The council no longer owns or manages any council housing. Its stock of 1,540 properties was transferred in March 2003 to Craven Housing, part of the Yorkshire Housing Group.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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