Praise for Housing Hartlepool
Issued on behalf of and with the approval of Housing Hartlepool
NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT: Helen Logan on 01325 363436
Housing Hartlepool has been praised for its strong performance in a wide range of key areas following a rigorous inspection by the Audit Commission.
The Commission gave the organisation a “good” two-star rating and in particular cited Housing Hartlepool’s strong customer focus and its provision of easy access to its services.
Housing Hartlepool’s well-maintained estates and its handling of anti-social behaviour were also singled out for praise by the Commission.
The Audit Commission awards star ratings between zero and three.
Catherine Purdy, Housing Hartlepool’s Chief Executive, said: “We are very pleased with the Audit Commission’s rating which is down to the hard work and dedication of our staff as well as the sound partnerships we have established with our residents and other agencies in Hartlepool.
“To achieve such a rating after only four years’ in existence is a considerable achievement.
“It is useful having an independent outside body take an indepth look at an organisation’s services and we have taken on board the comments made by the Commission.
“We believe the fact we have firm foundations in place - as reflected by the Commission’s two star rating – will stand us in good stead for our service provision in the years ahead.”
The Audit Commission’s overall ruling was that Housing Hartlepool provides a good service which has promising prospects for improvement.
Key strengths include:
*A strong focus on customer care supported by clear and comprehensive customer information and service standards.
*Improving levels of customer satisfaction across a range of services.
*Homes improved to an enhanced standard with a range of choices for tenants.
*Effective estate management services providing a pleasant environment for residents including a firm and effective approach to tackling anti-social behaviour.
*Comprehensive delivery of regeneration initiatives on behalf of Hartlepool Borough Council.
*Making efficiency savings that are re-invested into the delivery of services to tenants.
*A proven track record of improving services, particularly the repairs service.
The Commission said that some elements of service delivery such as reducing the proportion of emergency and urgent repairs and the calculation and recovery of service charge costs could be improved.
ENDS
Editors’ Notes
Housing Hartlepool is the largest housing association in Hartlepool.
It was set up in March 2004 to take over the ownership and management of the Council's rented housing stock following a positive ballot by tenants. It is a not for profit charitable organisation.
Housing Hartlepool is run by a voluntary board that consists of four tenant members, four council nominees and four independent people.
The company manages 7,000 properties throughout the Hartlepool area and surrounding villages. These range from five-bedroom family houses to flats for single people. In addition there is a wide range of bungalows and sheltered housing complexes for the elderly.
The housing service is provided from three neighbourhood-based offices.
For more information, go to: www.housinghartlepool.org.uk
Catherine Purdy, Housing Hartlepool Chief Executive, front left, and staff celebrate the Audit Commission rating