An influential poll has confirmed what Islington's social housing tenants may have suspected for some time - things are definitely getting better on estates.<br><br>The Ipsos MORI survey names Islington as the fourth most improved borough in the country for tenant satisfaction when measured between 2003/4 and 2006/7. The number of tenants satisfied with their landlord leapt from 52 per cent to 64 per cent. <br><br>Only Ealing, Leeds and Redditch scored higher levels of improvement.<br><br>Cllr Terry Stacy, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Housing and Community Safety said: "Perhaps it's the wholesale rebuilding of some of our poorest estates or the £189m we are investing to bring all our tenants new kitchens, bathrooms and windows or the many projects we have to keep kids active on estates and reduce crime. <br><br>"Whatever the reason, we are delighted that Islington - a small and densely populated borough with more than its fair share of challenges - appears to be punching above its weight according to this housing satisfaction poll.<br><br>"Everything the housing service does is about making life better for tenants, so to hear them tell us things are improving is great.<br><br>"This report vindicates our tenants' decision to transfer our housing stock to our ALMO partner HfI four years ago. I want to congratulate them for the great job they continue to do for council tenants in Islington."<br><br>Islington- which transferred the management of its housing stock to arms length management organisation partner Homes for Islington (HfI) in 2004, was also notable in the survey for surprisingly bucking a national trend. <br><br>Researchers have known for a long time that deprived locations, with higher proportions of council-owned housing stock tend to do less well in terms of tenants' satisfaction. <br><br>But despite having some of the poorest communities in Britain and retaining a larger-than-average 30 per cent of housing stock under council ownership, Islington's tenants' satisfaction rating of 64 per cent exceeded the predicted figure of 61 per cent. Islington was one of only 10 boroughs nationally to achieve this.<br><br>Eamon McGoldrick, Chief Executive of HFI Said: "Our own surveys of tenants' satisfaction has shown year on year rises. It is a fantastic vindication that research by such a well respected polling organisation not only confirms that but shows we are one of the country's best improving housing authorities.<br> <br>"We have invested over £300m in the last four years with another £90m being spent this year on improving Islington's homes - and residents value that. This survey shows that strong relations with the council, effective communication with residents and a commitment to investing in council housing and the local community is delivering improved tenant satisfaction."<br><br>ENDS<br><br>Note to Editors:<br><br><br>Ipsos MORI produced the report 'Housing Frontiers 2008 - an analysis of local authority tenant satisfaction data'<br><br>Since the survey, HfI has polled tenants and satisfaction has increased further to 68 per cent. <br><br> <br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009