Homes for Islington is set to receive more than £157million to improve council housing in the borough following its ‘two star’ rating from the Audit Commission. The Commission found that Homes for Islington’s services had significantly improved in the last year, and now provides a “good service” and has “excellent prospects for improvement”. Islington Council Leader Steve Hitchins presented a ‘cheque’ to commemorate the result to Homes for Islington’s Board Chair Ann Lucas and Chief Executive Eamon McGoldrick at Homes for Islington’s Board meeting on 7 March. This official rating means that Homes for Islington can begin investing the additional funding this year as it strives to bring all council housing up to the government’s Decent Homes Standard by 2010.Based on its inspection of Homes for Islington’s operations and services, the Audit Commission reports that Homes for Islington has many strengths, including high quality area housing offices and extended access for repair appointment, rent and service charge payments and transfers through its call centre, HFI Direct.In addition the Commission found that Homes for Islington uses formal complaints and independent tenant satisfaction survey to improve services, and that there is a high tenant satisfaction with major work schemes. Another strength was the high resident involvement in repair improvements and improved customer satisfaction with repair service. The Commission also noted the wide range of initiatives used to deal effectively with antisocial behaviour. Ann Lucas, Board Chair of Homes for Islington said: “This two star rating shows what can be achieved when we are fully focused on our key objectives and targets and reflects the strong commitment from our staff, Board and resident representatives to improve services. “We can now begin to invest in the much-needed programme to ensure that all Islington council housing reaches the government’s Decent Homes Standard by 2010. The additional funding means that vital home improvements such as new kitchens and bathrooms can be made, as well as investing more for central heating, new windows, and roofs, damp proofing and insulation, as well as improved home security. “Islington council residents deserve better homes and Homes for Islington is committed to continuing our partnership with residents to improve their living environment and quality of life.” Steve Hitchins, Leader of Islington Council said:“This is really great news for tenants and leaseholders as everyone deserves to live in a decent home. Now we can start to invest in improving council homes in Islington and continue to work with Homes for Islington to improve the services to residents.”Copies of the report are available on the Homes for Islington website www.homesforislington.org.uk or the website of the Audit Commission www.audit-commission.gov.uk.
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008