HARD-working staff at Uttlesford are celebrating praise for the district council’s performance.
In an independent report published today (Thursday, September 9) which highlights improved finances and stability, the Audit Commission has decided the authority provides a “fair” strategic housing service, and has “promising” prospects for improvement.
An earlier inspection in January 2008 had rated it as “fair” with “poor” prospects for improvement.
This time, scrutineers found that the council had continued to deliver good quality new affordable homes and improved its approach to homelessness, but still needs to improve its approach to improving the condition and use of housing in the private sector.
Mark Elsworth, Audit Commission lead housing inspector, said:
“Since our last inspection the council has significantly improved its financial position, as well as sustaining its delivery of new affordable homes and tackling homelessness.
“It is now a more stable organisation with clear leadership in place that should support it to deliver the improvements required, including the necessity to improve its approach to improvement planning and performance management.”
Roz Millership, Uttlesford District Council’s head of housing services, said: “We are pleased that the Audit Commission has recognised the significant improvements we have made in strategic housing and the good quality service we provide.
"The Audit Commission has concluded that we have promising prospects to improve even further and we will be considering all recommendations made following the inspection.
"Our housing staff work very hard and I would like to thank them for everything they have done to bring about this result."
Copies of the report are available from Uttlesford District Council or on the Audit Commission website at www.audit-commission.gov.uk.
