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Audit Commission Inspection

 

The result of the Audit Commission inspection has now been made public and Redbridge Homes has been judged a “fair” service with “promising prospects for improvement”.

 

The result follows an inspection carried out in 2009 and highlights a number of strengths including involving residents in service monitoring, general condition of housing stock and quality of information.  The outcome of a one star rating delays Redbridge Homes receiving funding from the Government’s Decent Homes initiative. 

 

Christine Lee, Chair of Redbridge Homes, commented,

 

“While we are disappointed with the result of the inspection we accept the findings and can now concentrate on working on the areas in need of improvement.

 

We are, however, working with the Audit Commission to arrange a re-inspection as soon as possible. I am confident that we will be able to achieve the two stars that mean we can get the funding to carry out the Decent Homes improvements.

 

I would like to thank all residents for their help in preparing for the February inspection and for their continued patience and understanding while we work to achieve the two stars rating.”

 

Cllr Robin Turbefield, Cabinet member for Housing at Redbridge Council, said,

 

“I’m sorry that tenants will now have to wait longer for their homes to be improved as a result of this disappointing assessment.  As the new cabinet member for housing, I'd like to reassure tenants that improving Redbridge Homes is my number one priority. I will be working closely with Redbridge Homes and council officers in the Borough to ensure the service to tenants improves and that we achieve the necessary rating at the next inspection.”

 

The Audit Commission found that some of our key strengths include:

 

  • the condition of tenants’ homes is comparatively good and planned improvements are being delivered with high levels of satisfaction;
  • an effective caretaking service and the estates are well maintained; and
  • residents are actively engaged in improving services.

 

Work has already started on areas needing improvement, with an action plan in place. They include:

 

  Upgrading the telephone system to effectively manage calls;

  Ensuring complaints are consistently handled and monitored;

  Improving support for disabled and frail residents;

  Increasing quality of repairs and improving the quality of ready

  to let properties.

 

 

Sharon Standell, Chief Executive of Redbridge Homes, said “We know that any delay of funding will affect residents but we are  working hard to put improvements in place to ensure the delay is minimised for residents. We have taken into account all the areas that need improving and have a comprehensive action plan to ensure all the improvements are in place for the next inspection. We will continue our preparations for the Decent Homes programme so that when the next inspection results are announced we will be in a position to start work immediately.”

 

 

About the Decent Homes initiative

 

Redbridge Homes was formed in April 2007, set up by Redbridge Council. Redbridge Homes is a not-for-profit housing organisation. Redbridge Homes is an Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO) which means that while the council remains the landlord of its council houses, Redbridge Homes is responsible for the management of over 7,000 homes in total (including over 2,300 Leasehold properties) including the day-to-day management and running of the homes and provides services for the tenants and leaseholders who live in them. QoL panel funding is obtained from tenant’s rents therefore the funding will be spent largely on activities associated with Redbridge Homes residents.

 

“Working in partnership with the community, to provide quality homes and services that meet residents’ needs”.

 

The full Audit Commission Report is available by clicking here:-

audit-commission/redbridgehomes

 

 

FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT:

Robert Wilson.

Communication and Marketing Officer. 

T: 020 8708 87637; M:0794 9291943 e: robert.wilson@redbridgehomes.org