Covalent ALMO customer celebrates two stars rating

Published by Covalent_Software for Covalent Software in Housing and also in Communities

Covalent ALMO customer Sutton Housing Partnership, which manages over 6,600 council homes for the London Borough of Sutton, is celebrating its entry on to a programme of £112.5 million spending on improving the standard of council housing.

The government's independent public sector watchdog, the Audit Commission, has awarded Sutton the coveted ‘two star’ rating this week (21 January 2010) and has judged its services to be "good" with 'promising prospects for improvement', in their recent inspection of the organisation.

Sutton purchased Covalent in May 2008 and has been using it to track its performance indicators, manage its action and improvement plans and corporate risk registers, as well as for self assessment against regulatory KLOEs and preparation for inspection.

Hugh Boatswain, the Audit Commission’s Lead Housing Inspector for London said: "In the range of Sutton Housing Partnership services inspected we found that overall strengths are outweighing weaknesses. Improvements are being effectively delivered including a more responsive repairs service. Risks are being managed and minimised and the organisation is improving its approach to value for money. Strong leadership and performance management are also driving improvements [...] There are promising prospects for further improvement."

As a direct result, the government has now agreed to provide £5m in April 2010. This is the first instalment of the £112.5m ‘Decent Homes’ funding which will be used for investment in Sutton’s housing during the next five years. Although renovation and repair works are ongoing, this funding will mean that the wider programme to bring kitchens, bathrooms and heating up to a higher standard can finally begin.

The Audit Commission inspection was very thorough, reviewing more than 1,050 documents, visiting estates and interviewing managers and staff from Sutton Housing Partnership and Sutton Council. Tenants, leaseholders and contractors were also interviewed to get a real feel for the service provided.

The official report identifies a number of strengths, including accessible services, good quality information, residents involved in improving services and a prompt repairs service.

Chief Executive of Sutton Housing Partnership, Andrew Taylor, said: “We are thrilled to have been awarded these all important two stars and we are extremely proud of what we have all achieved together.

“I want to thank all the staff at Sutton Housing Partnership and our residents for their support, hard work and dedication.”

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