Shoreline Housing Partnership delivering a 'fair' service to tenants

The housing services provided by Grimsby-based Shoreline Housing Partnership are 'fair' and have 'uncertain prospects for improvement’, according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission.

On a scale of zero to three-stars, the Audit Commission inspectors gave the service provided by Shoreline a one-star, 'fair' rating.

The quality of services is mixed. Improvements to homes have been carried out in an impressive manner, with high quality fittings and good value for money.

In addition, Shoreline has responded to its customers' concerns over anti-social behaviour, and customer satisfaction is increasing.

However, several long-standing problems remain with large numbers of empty properties on the association's estates, a poor disabled adaptations service and an emerging approach to value for money which is yet to deliver any substantial benefits. 

Graeme Foster, Audit Commission Lead Housing Inspector for Yorkshire and Humberside, said: “Shoreline Housing Partnership's services to tenants have generally improved but there are still some areas of weakness.

“Strengths include the delivery of the large scale repairs programme but weaknesses persist in value for money.

“The Association has not responded comprehensively to the recommendations of previous related reports and has uncertain prospects for further improvement.”

Strengths include:      

•    A clear vision and strategy about how services should be provided. Effective planned maintenance and gas servicing.
•    A strong approach to income management with a high percentage of rent collected.
•    An effective service to combat anti-social behaviour.

Areas for improvement include:

•    A responsive repairs service that does not reflect modern standards.
•    A large number of empty properties.
•    Opinions of service users are not comprehensively gathered.
•    Value for money in the repairs service is unproven.

Recommendations include:

•    Improving value for money in all services.
•    Modernising the repair service.
•    Developing a greater focus on customers.
•    Reducing the number of empty properties and improving the appearance of estates.

Copies of the report are available from Shoreline Housing Partnership or on the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/reports.