Tenant satisfaction reported to be at highest ever level
Hounslow Homes are claiming a year of unparalleled success following their recent AGM. In the face of a review of their role by the new Council, managing director Chris Langstaff said the 2005/06 financial year was one of 'fantastic achievement'.
“Hounslow Homes has had many outstanding successes in the last year,” he said. “In May 2005 the Audit Commission awarded Hounslow Homes a 3 star with Excellent prospects rating following a rigorous and objective assessment by the Housing Inspectorate. Not only that, but Hounslow Homes had brought the council’s housing stock up to the Decent Homes standard by March 2006, making us one of the first ALMOs in London and indeed England to meet this standard.”
Mrs Ellis from Brentford has had a number of aids and adaptations to her home over the years to make her day-to-day living easier. She said the changes that have been made to her home have greatly assisted her, especially in keeping mobile around her home. “I’m very happy with the things I have,” she said. “I’ve had a stair lift for about four years now and its been a great asset. I’ve also had a shower installed instead of a bath, and that’s been really useful as well. The changes that have been made to my hope have been a great help to me.”
Mr Langstaff added that tenant satisfaction with Hounslow Homes services had risen to 80% - the highest ever satisfaction rate achieved by the ALMO. This means that tenant satisfaction has increased by 5% in the last year and by 18% since the company went live in 2002. This is contrary to national trends which show a gradual reduction in customer satisfaction.
Hounslow Homes has worked closely with the Hounslow Federation of Tenants’ and Residents’ Association to develop a Decent Estates Programme, they have promoted regeneration packages to support bids for additional funding to the London Housing Board and hope to know the results of these bids by the end of 2006.
Financially, The Council and Hounslow Homes were picked out of 235 local authorities and 59 ALMOs to be selected to pilot a scheme operating its finances outside of the current HRA subsidy scheme.
Mr Langstaff said: “The scheme means that Hounslow Homes can explore the potential of managing our own finances instead of through the current formulae-driven housing subsidy system set by the government. It will potentially help us create a long term plan and deliver better services and quality of life to residents.”
Cllr Phil Andrews, Hounslow Council's lead member for housing and community safety, said, "Hounslow Council set up Hounslow Homes in 2002 with a mandate to manage its housing stock and provide good-quality services to its tenants. We welcome this annual report, which suggests consistent, sustained high performance in service delivery. We have recently undertaken a thorough review of every aspect of the ALMO’s operation with a view to identifying any deficiencies and providing a still better service to our tenants and leaseholders in the future.”
The AGM was held at the Civic Centre in Hounslow on 3 October. Copies of the latest annual report can be picked up by calling 020 8583 4431.
October 6, 2006
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