Solihull Community Housing gets top marks from watchdog

Solihull Community Housing is providing an 'excellent' service and its prospects for further improvement are also excellent, according to an independent report released today by the Audit Commission.

On a scale from zero to three stars the Audit Commission gave the arms length management organisation (ALMO) a three star 'excellent' rating, making it the first ALMO in the West Midlands to achieve three stars.

Inspectors found that it is easy for residents to contact Solihull Community Housing (SCH) and to use its services. Estates are well-managed and maintained and SCH responds quickly to problems. It also works well with other agencies such as the police, to prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour.

The quality of tenants' homes is improving through a well-managed and cost-effective repairs programme. SCH has reduced homelessness in Solihull and has been successful in its debt prevention work.

Martin Palmer, Head of Housing at the Audit Commission, said: "Solihull Community Housing provides services that focus on what residents want and provides them in a way that is convenient and cost-effective.

"It has made improvements in areas that matter most to residents, such as tackling anti-social behaviour and improving homes.

"SCH is also making a significant contribution to regeneration work in North Solihull and to the prevention of homelessness. Its strong track record of improving services means that it is well placed to improve services in the future."   
 
The inspectors found that SCH:      

• Provides services and information that are easy to use and that focus on what customers want
• Carries out repairs promptly and is improving homes in the area through a well-managed and cost-effective investment programme 
• Makes good use of technology such as CCTV to reinforce its approach to tenancy and estate management
• Provides useful money advice and debt prevention services
• Works well with the local community, including young people, to improve the local environment and to develop a sense of pride in the area

Recommendations in the report include:

• Improving customer focus in the delivery of the improvement programme
• Strengthening services for vulnerable customers

SCH manages the homes of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council in the West Midlands through an agreement that began in 2004 and is renewable for further five year periods.

The agreement covers housing management and maintenance services, delivery of a major stock improvement programme and homelessness and advice services. SCH's management fee for 2007/08 is £18.65 million.

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