Watchdog red flags 14 housing services
Fourteen councils are failing those in housing need, according to new assessments from the Audit Commission.
The results of the first comprehensive area assessment have been published on the new OnePlace website, which allows the public to compare all services in their areas. Just two local authorities – Birmingham and Poole - received green flags for their housing services.
The website brings together information on housing, health, children’s services, environment and crime for 152 areas of England, and replaces the comprehensive performance assessment. Examples of good practice are highlighted by a green flag, while red flags denote problems requiring a fresh approach.
North East Lincolnshire council received a red flag for ‘unsafe and unhealthy housing’. The report states: ‘Vulnerable people in the area are not able to get housing related support to help them find and keep a home.
‘The council has not carried out work to understand the needs of vulnerable people and so is not in a position to work with partners in health, social care and probation to make sure that services are put in place.’
Andrew De Freitas, vice chair of the local strategic partnership, said: ‘The LSP is working hard and enthusiastically in the two areas that have been given a red flag. We are already treating both of these areas as high priority.’
The chief executives of all six inspectorates released a joint statement saying: ‘This is 21st century accountability, based on expert assessments of what services do for people, not how they are organised.’
The best and the worst:
Green flags for housing:
- Birmingham
- Poole
Red flags for housing:
- Brighton & Hove
- Cornwall
- Doncaster
- Dorset
- Hertfordshire
- Kingston upon Thames
- Knowsley
- Lincolnshire
- Liverpool
- Luton
- North-East Lincolnshire
- North Tyneside
- Somerset
- Southwark
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Readers' comments (3)
Lulu | 10/12/2009 2:12 pm
Do you mean Herefordshire or Hertfordshire has a red flag for housing services? You have listed 'Herfordshire' as having a red flag. I guess their Chief Executives will be keen for you to confirm!...
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worried well | 10/12/2009 2:25 pm
The important comment in this article is the part where it says 'according to the assessments from the Audit Commission.'
I want to red flag the Audit Commission. Why? Because red flags denote problems requiring a fresh approach.
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Bob | 11/12/2009 9:53 pm
Hertfordshire, I bet that's Watford Council.
The only council that puts you at the bottom of the housing register if you are homeless! Band C on their choice based lettings lettings website is homelessness, but in reality, they put you in band E. They don't class not having anywhere to live/sleep as homeless!
The housing department is full of 20 somethings that haven't got a clue in the services they are supposed to provide. You just get a blank look when you ask them anything. Don't try to speak to the housing manager, she'll only speak to you after weeks of going in there, and finally demanding you want to speak to her. Even then, she'll only speak to you on the phone while you are in reception.
20 years I've been waiting for a council house in watford. I, my parents and my grandparents were born there. And I have to say, the treatment from Watford Borough is truly disgusting. I can't imagine a worst council than this.
On a seperate note, Hertmere Borough Council just down the road, are absolutely wonderful. I can't praise this council enough.
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