Council house managers win praise for three-star service

Following a two-week assessment carried out in June this year, inspectors yesterday announced that they have given St Leger Homes the three-star "excellent" rating. This is an improvement on the last time the organisation was inspected three years ago, when it was awarded a two-star rating of "good."

Inspectors said that St Leger Homes provides "good-quality" services and "works well with other agencies and residents in shaping, delivering and improving services."

Yvonne Davies, Audit Commission head of housing and economic development for the north of England, said: "Services provided by St Leger Homes have improved and are more efficient. Residents are well informed and involved in making sure that good quality services are delivered.

"Improvement works to residents' homes are well-managed and estates are well-maintained. The needs of vulnerable people are at the heart of the approach to service delivery and action is taken to make sure that needs are met. However, St Leger Homes and the council need to work together to agree improvement works to some flats and sheltered accommodation."

John Young, chairman of St Leger Homes of Doncaster, said: "It is a magnificent boost for the company, all council tenants and Doncaster."